Mountain biking requires consideration when it comes to a bikes, equipment, apparel and their cost. And for most kids, mountain biking is expensive. Therefore, the information on this page is provided in an attempt to assist riders (and their parents) to outline the “need to haves” that are specific to the type of mountain biking Portland Metro participates in…
Bikes
The majority of the mountain biking that we will do on this team falls into the “cross-country” category (which is sometimes abbreviated as “XC”). For most riders a hardtail mountain bike will be recommended. “Hardtail” is the name given to a solid/rigid bike frame that has a suspension fork for the front wheel. Here’s an example…
…as opposed to a full-suspension mountain bike where there is also suspension or “shocks” built into the frame for the rear wheel as well.
- Mountain bikes now come in 26 inch, 27 inch and 29 inch wheels. All can work, but in most cases, the largest 29 inch wheels are ideal and found on the “cross country” and “trail” types of mountain bikes that are most suitable for the riding we take on.
- For our purposes, an ideal bike is relatively lightweight and has a typical mountain biking gear range with gearing suitable for steep hills.
- Front suspension forks are not necessarily essential, but are highly recommended!
- Similarly, disc brakes are not necessarily essential, but highly recommended! Moreover, we recommend “full hydraulic disc brakes” whenever possible as they offer much greater stopping power than mechanical brake options–giving riders more control and keeping them safer.
- If you’re shopping for a bike, we can help make reccomendations.
- Bringing your bike to a team meeting or practice and asking for our coaches for feedback may be the best way for us to help you determine if the bike you have will be suitable for use this season.
- If you have a used bike that you believe is suitable, it is advisable to take it to a local bike shop for a tuneup service before each season.
- Coaches may be able to help manage little adjustments here and there, upon request before or after practices.
At various points in the season the coaches will manage team bike inspections where we will focus on…
- The bike being an appropriate size match for the rider.
- Ensuring the bike has good working brakes.
- Ensuring the bike has good mountain bike tires, with suitable traction.
- Ensuing wheels are sturdy and reliable.
- Ensuring the bike has reasonably smooth shifting and a serviceable chain.
Equipment
Pedals – While some riders may be used to and or inclined to ride what are referred to as “clipless pedals,” and it is OK to continue using this equipment if desired, NICA recommends interscholastic rider train and race on traditional platform pedals as long as possible. The reason is, learning how to ride on a good grippy set of platform pedals can promote more successful technique in the long run, and is also nice because they do not require cycling specific footwear. Here’s what a pair of good grippy platform pedals looks like (notice the spikes that lock into your shoes)…
Water bottle cages and water bottles – Especially because we will be practicing in the summer and racing in the early fall–when it is still reasonably warm in the Pacific Northwest–outfitting your bike with water bottle cages and water bottles is highly advisable. Most bikes will have at least one position for mounting a water bottle and many of the hardtail variety described above will have two positions. It is recommended to mount as many bottle cages and bottles on your bike as you can accommodate.
Hydration packs – A hydration packs such as those made by companies like Camelbak may be a good idea for riders whose bikes have limited water carrying capacity on their bikes. There are a variety of sizes of these packs, but for our purposes the slimmer and lighter weight packs will be more desirable than the heavier duty (more “backpacky”) styles designed for longer days and more rigorous trail and back country riding.
Note: kid size hydration packs may provide a suitable option and hydration bladders and hoses are also available for purchase separately (sometimes cheaply) and maybe fitted into other bags or backpacks that a rider has in their possession already.
Seat bags – While it is not required, extra credit is given to any rider with a seat bag or saddle pouch containing a spare inner tube in the size and variety specific to their bike wheels.
Bonus points for riders who also include a plastic tire lever…
Note: Coaches will have inflation devices on their person as well as bicycle multi tools, and will be able to assist riders with flat tires, when they occur, but it is important for every rider to take steps in being prepared for their own flat tires while learning how to manage them.
Bell – A bicycle bell is a “nice to have” on a mountain bike since it can be used to let another ride know you are passing and/or it can be used to signal down trail before coming around blind corners.
Final Note:
NICA and The Oregon League offer scholarships for participation in their events and Portland Metro–with the help of Our Sponsors–does everything we can do to help riders and their families negotiate the costs of participation in our program. If you are a rider (or a family member of a rider) who would like to participate on our team, please contact our coaches directly. We’re here to assist you and make sure you can join us! Email: pmcmtb@gmail.com
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