This is a common question, especially to those new to mountain biking.  

 

If your child already has a mountain bike, then you are all set (assuming it meets the NICA rules shown below), if your child doesn't have a mountain bike then we can work with you and our local bike shops to find a great option for them.  

 

By joining NICA and participating on the team, your child will be able to get a 20-30% discount on eligible bikes from TREK or Specialized (this includes coaches as well!).  Of course they will also need a quality helmet to keep safe.

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A quality mountain bike that will serve your child for years can vary in price, but a great bike with front suspension can run in the $600-$700 range.  A lot depends upon the type of bike so use this a general guide.

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Of course you can also get a bike for less from a sporting goods shop or a a general department store but there are definitely trade-offs. 

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Below are general NICA rules for mountain bike / equipment:

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Student-athletes must compete using mountain bikes that have 26 to 29 inch wheels with tires not narrower than 1.75 inches. In addition:

• Tires must have knobbies - no slick tires are permitted

• No road bikes or mountain bikes equipped with drop bars

• No cyclocross bikes

 

If a student-athlete is unable to ride a mountain bike with 26 – to 29 inch wheels due to his or her height, competing on a mountain bike with smaller wheels is permitted.

 

RULE 4.2.

NO SINGLE SPEED BIKES

 

Pushing big gears has been shown to be detrimental to the joints (specifically the knees) of young student-athletes. Bikes must have multiple gears including at least five cogs in the rear.

 

RULE 4.3.

FRONT AND REAR BRAKES

 

Bicycles must have fully operational front and rear brakes. Brakes must be adjusted to provide significant stopping power. Brake pads must not be worn below recommended limits. It is recommended that bicycles be inspected by a mechanic before every race.

 

RULE 4.4.

HANDS ON BARS; NO BAR ENDS

 

All riders must race with their hands holding the bars within reach of the brake levers. For safety reasons, no bar ends (forward pointing handle grip extensions) may be used.

 

RULE 4.5.

HANDLEBAR END PLUGS AND STEM CAPS REQUIRED

 

For safety reasons, handlebar end plugs and stem caps are required.

 

 

Approved Helmets meet one of the following standards:

 

1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z90.4

2. Snell Memorial Foundation Standard "B" or "N" series

3. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F-1447

4. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for bicycle helmets

5. European Committee for Standardization (CE EN 1078) standard for bicycle helmets

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