Gifts For NICA Mountain Bike Racers

The number of high school and middle school NICA racers has been growing steadily over the last few years. If your state does not have a league, they may soon. This list of gifts for NICA mountain bike racers covers some of the essentials for staying safe and having a good time.

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Dakine Shuttle 6L Backpack 

The Dakine Shuttle 6L Hydration Pack has a lightweight, streamlined design that your NICA rider will hardly notice while zooming singletrack and rippping berms. The 70oz Hydrapak reservoir holds enough water for a training session or race and the the Phaser bite valve allows hands-free drinking so your racer stays hydrated without stopping. The internal pump sleeve offers space for a pump, spare tubes, and tire levers in case a quick change is needed. The breathable air mesh shoulder straps and back panel help your rider stay cool while training or racing.

Spurcycle Bike Bell 

Your NICA rider probably frequents trails that host multiple user groups — cyclists, runners, hikers, equestrians, etc. Use of a quality bell can easily help them avoid unwanted conflict. The Spurcycle Bell is crafted from premium brass and stainless steel in the USA. This durable bell has a distinctive, yet pleasant tone that resonates up to three times as long as most bells. This bell made the  list of best gifts For NICA mountain bike racers because it will come in hand several times per ride.

Smith Session MIPS Bike Helmet  

Have fun, be safe! The Smith Session MIPS Helmet will keep your NICA racer safe with a combination of Smiths Koroyd technology and MIPS. The modern and sleek style gives just a little more coverage than most cross-country helmets. For total comfort, Smith equips the Session with 15 optimized vents that channel air in, and AirEvac at the front edge that sends cool air underneath your sunglasses to keep your lenses as fog-free as possible on long, sweaty climbs.

G-Form Pro-X3 Knee Guard 

Your NICA rider may not think they need extra protection on the trails, but it sure is nice to have it when they don’t clear a line as well as they planned. G-Form’s Pro-X Knee Pads are thin and light and allow full range of motion, but provide a good amount of protection in the event of a crash. These pads are backed by a stretchy, breathable sleeve that makes them easy to pull on and off. As an added bonus, you can throw the Pro-X in any machine washer to ward off odors without causing damage. . Your high school mountain biker will actually wear these pads.

Lezyne Twin Kit

Has your NICA rider experienced a flat yet? Having a quick CO2 inflation tool can decrease the time to get back on the trail. The biggest drawback to most CO2 inflators is that once a cartridge is used, well, it’s used. Sadly, sometimes we forget to replace them after they’ve been used. The Lezyne Twin Kit addresses this by including two 16 gram CO2 cartridges. This kit also includes a pair of easy-on-your-rims nylon tire levers and the indispensable Twin Speed Drive CO2 inflator. Lezyne’s Twin Speed Drive is compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves, so you don’t have to worry about carrying an adapter with you.

Shimano XTR PD-M9120 Pedals

Give the gift pf pedaling efficiency! Shimano XTR PD-M9120 Pedals feature a large platform that offers additional support while bombing down a rocky descent and a little more security against rock strikes. These pedals are super light and shed mud expertly.

Shimano’s SH-AM5 Cycling Shoes

NICA racers will enjoy the benefits of improved pedaling efficiency from being clipped in. Shimano’s SH-AM5 Cycling Shoes are comfy and stylish. Your high school racer will appreciate the durable synthetic leather upper with mesh to keep their feet safe from errant trail debris without giving up breathability. The high-grip rubber sole with toe and heel traction tread improve grip on those hike-a-bike adventures. These shoes are excellent gifts for NICA riders.

Cannondale Trail 6 Mountain Bike 

The Cannondale Trail 6 hardtail mountain bike is built to handle anything NICA races can provide. Your NICA rider will appreciate the light alloy frame. Made of Durable SmartForm C3 alloy, this frame delivers an exceptionally lightweight, efficient and smooth ride. The SR Suntour XCM fork offers 100 mm of travel for smooth suspension. The Shimano M315 Rapidfire Plus 2 x 8-speed shifting provides plenty of gears while delivering smooth, efficient shifting. The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power and speed control.

Troy Lee Designs Skyline Short Sleeve Jersey

Your NICA rider could use a stylish new jersey. The Troy Lee Designs Skyline short-sleeve is a simple, straightforward MTB jersey. The Skyline’s breathable main fabric and mesh back work together to keep your NICA racer dry and cool as they sweat it out on the switchbacks. The relaxed ride fit will move with your NICA rider on long, technical descents without feeling too baggy or loose.

Yeti Cycles Enduro Short-Sleeve Jersey – Women’s

The Yeti Cycles Enduro Short-Sleeve Jersey features improved breathability and super light Turq Air fabric. The Jersy has an excellent race fit with a dropped hem for added coverage. Your NICA rider will like that it’s designed with HeiQ Fresh sustainable anti-odor technology, plus sunblock treatment with 50+ UPF protection.

Tifosi Optics Davos Polarized Sunglasses

These sunglasses provide race-ready performance that won’t break the bank. These sunglasses will protect your rider’s eyes from the sun and dust in their NICA races and practices. The large lens design and sporty wrap ensure unobstructed vision so they can spot everything on the trail, and vents in the lenses prevent fog buildup during grueling climbs or in humid environments. Fully adjustable nose and ear pads allow your racer to dial in the perfect fit. One of the best gifts for NICA riders.

Norco Storm 1 hardtail mountain bike 

The Norco Storm 1 Complete Mountain Bike is an efficient hardtail that adds a bit of rugged versatility to a hybrid design. This bike has the wide tires, hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, and dropper seat post you’d expect from a trail bike. The Storm has a unique combination of longer reach, slacker head tube angle , and steep seat tube angle to provides a more forward weight distribution within a longer wheelbase. This allows more powerful, efficient pedaling, increased climbing traction, and added grip and control when descending to help make the most of every ride. The Suntour fork has 30mm stanchions and a speed lockout that can be used on-the-fly for climbing. The 1×11 Shimano Deore is optimized for everything from steep climbs to fast descents. Hydraulic Disc Brakes will help with speed control. Your NICA rider will love the included dropper post.

Santa Cruz Bicycles 29 D Mountain Bike Mountain Bike

The 8th generation Chameleon is a jack-of-all-trades type of bike that’s positioned right up there with the best all-around hardtails on the market. This bike is outfitted with Santa Cruz’s base-level build kit, utilizing components that perform well on the trail without blowing our budget. This build includes: SRAM NX Eagle shifters, SRAM SX Eagle rear derailleur and a RockShox Recon RLfork. The 8th gen Chameleon is much slacker than its predecessor so your NICA racer can carry speed with confidence. Importantly, buying a Santa Cruz means you get their industry-leading lifetime warranty, letting your rider enjoy their Chameleon for years to come.

Diamondback Sync’R 29 Carbon Mountain Bike

High-end mountain bikes can cost as much as a used car. Diamondback is pushing back on this trend. Diamondback created the ultra-capable Sync’R 29 Carbon to get you on the trails without breaking the bank. The Sync’R 29 Carbon features a carbon frame, 29ers, and a progressive geometry that allows the bike to handle the local park and the backcountry trails with ease. Firstly, the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain offers a massive range of usable gears. Secondly, optimal head angle and travel create stability in the air. Thirdly, FOX suspension offers adjustability for weight, riding style, and terrain.