NO USDA BANNED SUBSTANCES
NO USDA BANNED SUBSTANCES
NO USDA BANNED SUBSTANCES
NICA student-athletes are subject to all U.S. Anti-Doping Agency rules pertaining to anti-doping. The use of performance enhancing substances will result in the immediate disqualification from on full season or the equivalent number of races.
ABSOLUTELY NO CAFFEINE or CAFFEINE BASED PRODUCTS BEFORE OR DURING RACES.
Follow NICA Rules and Guidelines.
NICA student-athletes are subject to all U.S. Anti-Doping Agency rules pertaining to anti-doping. The use of performance enhancing substances will result in the immediate disqualification from on full season or the equivalent number of races.
ABSOLUTELY NO CAFFEINE or CAFFEINE BASED PRODUCTS BEFORE OR DURING RACES.
Follow NICA Rules and Guidelines.
NICA student-athletes are subject to all U.S. Anti-Doping Agency rules pertaining to anti-doping. The use of performance enhancing substances will result in the immediate disqualification from on full season or the equivalent number of races.
ABSOLUTELY NO CAFFEINE or CAFFEINE BASED PRODUCTS BEFORE OR DURING RACES.
Follow NICA Rules and Guidelines.
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO I NEED
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It doesn’t have to be full-suspension, but those tend to be a little more comfortable over the course of a race--although they are heavier.
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It is best to get a bike from a local bike shop, not Target/Walmart or Toys-R-US. Those bikes are not built to be ridden or raced off-road, with parts that fail easily and often. We’re happy to check out your bike or bike option to help choose the best fit.
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Frame material can be steel, aluminum or carbon fiber.
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The number of gears is generally 3x10, 2x10, 2x12, 1x11 or 1x12.
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You’re racing on smoother courses than those extreme videos, so going with too much suspension will actually slow you down. We’re finding 100-140mm in the front and about the same in the rear is perfect.
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Wheel size really depends on your height. Smaller riders will want a 26” or 27.5” wheel size bike. Medium and Large size riders generally go with a 27.5” or 29” wheel size. Of course, they can still race perfectly fine on a 26” wheel bike as well.
WHAT SIZE BIKE DO I NEED
EASY ANSWER:
A bike that fits your body dimensions and is comfortable.
MORE DETAILED ANSWER:
Everyone is different. Some have long legs and short torsos. Some of us are right smack in the middle.
You can use this simplified chart to get your best range.
We highly recommend swinging by your local bike shop to have them do a test fit or sizing with your current bike or any new bike you are looking at.
Fit is really important for several reasons, with safety, being a priority. A bike that is too big or too small can cause a lot of issues with proper riding and body fitment.
These affect comfort, safety and overall enjoyment.
You don’t need a bike custom built to you, but it does help to make sure your bike fits so you can have the most fun!
