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Gear Guide

NICA is excited to share a NEW resource to help riders, families, and coaches feel confident and prepared with the right equipment for the season ahead:

The NICA Gear Guide

This guide provides the foundational basics on the equipment and gear needed for any rider to be a part of a NICA team. Coaches, be sure to bookmark this resource and share it with your families. We’ll also be providing this link to riders and families upon registration for the upcoming season.

WHAT’S IN THE GEAR GUIDE?

  1. NICA requirements for gear: The Gear Guide outlines exactly what is needed to meet NICA’s safety requirements and set riders up for a successful season, from picking out the right kind of bike to ensuring everyone knows to fuel for rides/practice.
  2. Basic tips & tricks: Helpful tips (like when you should replace a helmet) to guide families
  3. Maintenance & service education: An outline for basic bike maintenance and service as recommended by NICA, plus links to popular resources like our “How to Wash Your Bike” and “ABCDE Bike Check” handouts.
  4. Answers to common gear-related questions: Clipless vs. flats? What’s a chamois? The Gear Guide covers the basics of these conversations with a NICA-lens, in terms that are approachable for beginners AND useful for experienced riders looking to make an upgrade.
  5. Partner links: Each section provides links to NICA partners who can support a rider’s gear needs, as well as a reminder of athlete benefits/discounts 

WHO CAN USE THE GEAR GUIDE?

While the Gear Guide was developed with a new-to-NICA rider in mind, it can benefit all of your riders/families. We hope this resource is helpful for anyone looking to outfit a NICA rider (or coach!) with appropriate and safe gear.

Happy riding!