Just wondered if anyone could give me some advice about potentially having a go at some cyclocross events this winter. I think I can stick some knobblies on my old road bike and put on some more specific pedals, although not sure which type you'd need to avoid getting clogged or would it be best to use toeclips with trail shoes etc?
I've had a look at some websites but most of the novice friendly events seem to be aimed at the under 12s. Anybody else take part in these who could give me some pointers?
Cheers,
Alex
Alex I can only give you my experience based on helping my son Tim some 10-15 yrs ago when he was a member of the British squad at Junior & Espoir level. Idealy you need a road type bike with plenty of clearence at the forks and brakes. Cantilever brakes were the norm and I beleive still are. Allen were the clasic cyclo cross frame and you may be able to pick up an old one? Tyres with good grip are essential if muddy but if dry a smoother tyre with file like tread pattern can be used. In ice it is traditional to use tyres with metal spikes or at least snow type tyres with hard nobbles.
ReplyDeleteA good double sided Shimano tye SPD are the best pedal with as open a space as possible to allow mud to escape or prevent clogging. Dont go for toe clips! A comfortable saddle that you can hop on and off of is helfull as you have to run with the bike at times and then jump on with the possible discomfort to your undercarriage. Improved bike handleing skills can help for instance if you are able with confidence to "bunny hop" the log sections or vertical boards without jumping on and off your bike you can pull out some seconds and get ahead if you are in the lead or close too! Tim would be more than happy to give you some advice when back from Honeymoon second half September. To be honest you need two bikes once you get into it and some help. When it really gets muddy and it usualy does the bike will need cleaning with a high pressure hose and scrubbing brush to get you through the race. Normally a helper will do that in the pit area where you are allowed to change bikes. Unlike mountain bike races where the rider must carry out all repairs and mend punctures with Cyclocross your are allowed to change bikes and take assistance in the pit area. In the early days of Tim's Cyclo Cross he used an MTB but they are heavy when it comes to running with them up hill or over logs when its the only option. It's a very tough sport and you must enjoy mud!!
Cheers Mike, that's really useful information. I don't think my trek road bike has enough clearance in the frame and forks for knobbly tyres so I think I'll try to get a cheapie mtb to get me going. Thanks again. Alex
ReplyDeleteOn saturday Simon Waller (Sept 3rd)said he plans to ride cyclo cross this winter
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