Equipment Checklist

Bike: A properly fitting, well-maintained, hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike. E-bikes are not allowed for student athletes but are OK for coaches.

Helmet: Helmets are required for all team members and coaches. We recommend a properly-fitting mountain-bike specific helmet (not full-faced unless medically required) that is less than 3-4 years old and free of dents or cracks.

Clothing: Any lightweight, breathable short/T-shirt will work. Full synthetic or poly-blend fabrics that wick moisture from the skin are preferable over heavier 100% cotton or denim. Cycling-specific clothes (baggy- or race-fit) are best as they include handy pockets/storage and are tailored to allow you to move freely over your bike without snagging on your saddle. Most importantly, cycling bottoms include a shock-absorbing, friction-reducing, antimicrobial pad or “shammy” sewn into the shorts that make long rides much more comfortable. Shammies are designed to be worn directly against the skin. All student athletes will receive a practice t-shirt.

Gloves: Gloves can protect your hands from blisters and can save you a trip to the doctor for stitches in the event of a crash. Thin, breathable full-finger cycling gloves are most popular.

Eye Protection: Lightweight sunglasses that mate well with your helmet and stay put while riding over rough terrain.

Closed-Toe Shoes: Old “tennis”, hiking, cross-training shoes are OK for beginners. Skate-style shoes (like Vans) are even better. But, the gold standard is mountain-bike-specific shoes for either flat or clipless pedals that will keep you much better connected to your bike as your skills progress. Flat pedals with short metal pins paired with sticky-rubber MTB shoes are the most popular choice. Top cross-country racers typically use an ultra-efficient “clipless” shoe/pedal system. The clipless system consists of stiff-soled shoes with an attached cleat that clips into a small specialized pedal. It typically takes a couple of weeks to get confident with clipless pedals so it’s best to make the switch during the off-season.

Flat Protection: Spare tube (even if running tubeless tires), patch kit (if running tubes), tubeless plugs or “bacon strips” (if running tubeless tires), tire levers, and a CO2 inflator or hand pump is mandatory on each ride. Optional: lightweight, instant tubeless flat repair canisters (like GUP) that contain both CO2 and extra sealant can be used by experienced racers on race day.

Multi-Tool: Compact tool system that includes common hex keys and other tools necessary for on-trail adjustments and repairs. A multi-tool that includes a chain breaker is ideal so you don’t have to carry one separately.

Spare Quick-Link: Quick-links allow quick chain repair when your chain breaks. You will need either a 12, 11, or 6-10 speed link depending on what drivetrain your bike has.

Hydration: Carrying enough water to stay properly hydrated throughout practices and races is critical for the safety of riders. Temperatures during practices and races can exceed 90 degrees. Either hydration packs or water bottles will work–go with whatever you find is easiest to keep hydrated. If you use bottles, practice and become efficient at safely accessing and drinking from a bottle at race pace. High schoolers racing more than one lap can receive a fresh bottle each lap as they pass through the Feed Zone (we will practice this).

On-Bike Nutrition: On any ride over 45-minutes long (including all practices and races), you’ll want to carry some easy-to-digest snacks to eat when energy levels dip. Individually wrapped fruit-snack packets (like Mott’s fruit snacks) or granola bars are effective and cheap options. On really hot days, a sports drink with liquid calories and extra electrolytes are a good idea.

Restricted Items: Headphones and airpods, e-bikes, caffeine (and any other performance-enhancing substance is prohibited by NICA), sandals, and full-face helmets (unless medically required).