Discussion
Looking to get a bike on Cycle to work scheme, was initially going to get a Genesis Day One Disc (single speed CX bike) but thought what's the point? It'll just get knackered and I might as well keep using my old s/s for that. The Day One started me thinking about CX in general. I can't row due to time constraints / family etc so I need an "outlet". There seem to small local CX leagues / events around here (S Wales), so my question is:
Am I likely to look like a complete bell end turning up on a compromise CX/ road bike (Croix de Fer sort of thing)?
Is it going to be way beyond my ability/ capability - I ride every day so I'd hope not...
And generally, what's the crack with CX? Don't know anyone who's had a go but I fancy it.
Sorry for rambling, unstructured, stream of consciousness queries.
Am I likely to look like a complete bell end turning up on a compromise CX/ road bike (Croix de Fer sort of thing)?
Is it going to be way beyond my ability/ capability - I ride every day so I'd hope not...
And generally, what's the crack with CX? Don't know anyone who's had a go but I fancy it.
Sorry for rambling, unstructured, stream of consciousness queries.
Did a few CX races while I was at uni. TBH there was a right old mixture of bikes. Check what sort of bikes the club/races "allow", I think being BUSA races they were pretty relaxed about it, but I know some don't allow flat bars and/or 26" wheels.
It's like mountain biking but you get off and carry the bike over technical bits. So you need to be good at getting on and off the bike without stopping. There might be more to it than that but that's all I could ascertain after doing a few!
I used to do it on a rigid MTB with flat bars and no-one ever said anything. Apart from some knobber in all fancy kit who yelled at me one race on the last lap to get out of his way as he was lapping me, I was convinced I was on the same lap of him so out sprinted him to the line, he squared up to me when we'd finished, had a right rant about "****ing mountain bikers" but when we got the results it turned out I'd beaten him
It's like mountain biking but you get off and carry the bike over technical bits. So you need to be good at getting on and off the bike without stopping. There might be more to it than that but that's all I could ascertain after doing a few!
I used to do it on a rigid MTB with flat bars and no-one ever said anything. Apart from some knobber in all fancy kit who yelled at me one race on the last lap to get out of his way as he was lapping me, I was convinced I was on the same lap of him so out sprinted him to the line, he squared up to me when we'd finished, had a right rant about "****ing mountain bikers" but when we got the results it turned out I'd beaten him
Edited by lufbramatt on Friday 7th February 11:58
uncinquesei said:
Looking to get a bike on Cycle to work scheme, was initially going to get a Genesis Day One Disc (single speed CX bike) but thought what's the point? It'll just get knackered and I might as well keep using my old s/s for that. The Day One started me thinking about CX in general. I can't row due to time constraints / family etc so I need an "outlet". There seem to small local CX leagues / events around here (S Wales), so my question is:
Am I likely to look like a complete bell end turning up on a compromise CX/ road bike (Croix de Fer sort of thing)?
Is it going to be way beyond my ability/ capability - I ride every day so I'd hope not...
And generally, what's the crack with CX? Don't know anyone who's had a go but I fancy it.
Sorry for rambling, unstructured, stream of consciousness queries.
I'd check out a few local events first and see what people are riding but a CdF will be fine, a bit heavy but they are quite popular. Do you want to do anything else with the bike, commute? touring etc? this will determine what will suit you best. Am I likely to look like a complete bell end turning up on a compromise CX/ road bike (Croix de Fer sort of thing)?
Is it going to be way beyond my ability/ capability - I ride every day so I'd hope not...
And generally, what's the crack with CX? Don't know anyone who's had a go but I fancy it.
Sorry for rambling, unstructured, stream of consciousness queries.
Personally I'd look at a Kenesis Crosslight or a Kona Jake because the geo is a little less upright and a little bit more racey. Disc brakes arent essential, cantilevers are more than adequate but I know people who race in the peak district and get through a few rims because of the consistency of grit/soil up there. Calipers will clag up just as much as cantis and are harder to clean in a race. Its worth looking for something with bar top brakes as well like this Raleigh which you can either remove if you dont like or stick with. That Raleigh is a good bike for the money to be honest as it has a useful, race orientated 46/36 chainset. Trust me its highly unlikely you will ever use a 50t chainring in a race so be a little wary of a bike thats just had a compact road chainset dumped on it. Though they also have a '13 Genesis CdF which is only £700 and you can swap over chain rings to find something that suits as they will be 110 BCD so loads of sizes will fit straight on.
The races are an hour long and are usually a flat out blast, interval training will really help rather than steady state endurance stuff, but mix it up. My mate is absolutely ****ed for the rest of the day after an hour long race in the morning.
I've got one of these on order:-
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/20...
Sub £1000 for cycle to work, good components and should provide me a good basis as a winter / off road bike.
The Boardman CX team will be along in 5..4..3..2....
Steve
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/20...
Sub £1000 for cycle to work, good components and should provide me a good basis as a winter / off road bike.
The Boardman CX team will be along in 5..4..3..2....
Steve
Thanks all, that Giant and the Kinesis are very nice... I'd sort of settled on the CdF because I just like the look of the steel frame and it's available on the scheme through Urban Cyclery, my localest (sic) bike shop. The disc brakes appeal - my commute (although it's normally done on the S/S) is along the seafront so I get through brake pads and rims like you wouldn't believe... Other than its intended purpose I'd use it for the occasional road run (but not a lot - I get my miles in commuting). The Genesis Vapour might be more suitable if the CX becomes addictive...
Hmm....
Hmm....
I was in a similar position last year, started to look at bikes for C2W and stumbled upon cyclocross. I'd never used dropped handlebars or SPD pedals but I took the plunge (Genesis Vapour actually) and thought I'd go for it.
Time restraints and dodgy ankles stopped me from being able to play football anymore but actually it turns out it takes up about the same amount of time. You usually have to be there about 1hr before your race, followed by the hour long race, so it takes about the same time as a football match.
I've not managed to do many races this year due to our little boy coming along in June but I've really got the bug and planning for next season to make it to much more.
For my first race I turned up in bibshorts and a football shirt, on a bike that had been out of the box for 2 weeks (bell still attached). One of the teams helped me out a bit with getting to grips with it and let me borrow one of their jerseys. It's a pretty friendly sport.
I would say if you would like a go, go for it, they make great commuter bikes and this morning in the rain I had a bit of free time on the way to work so I went off for a loop in the woods!
Time restraints and dodgy ankles stopped me from being able to play football anymore but actually it turns out it takes up about the same amount of time. You usually have to be there about 1hr before your race, followed by the hour long race, so it takes about the same time as a football match.
I've not managed to do many races this year due to our little boy coming along in June but I've really got the bug and planning for next season to make it to much more.
For my first race I turned up in bibshorts and a football shirt, on a bike that had been out of the box for 2 weeks (bell still attached). One of the teams helped me out a bit with getting to grips with it and let me borrow one of their jerseys. It's a pretty friendly sport.
I would say if you would like a go, go for it, they make great commuter bikes and this morning in the rain I had a bit of free time on the way to work so I went off for a loop in the woods!
pembo said:
I was in a similar position last year, started to look at bikes for C2W and stumbled upon cyclocross. I'd never used dropped handlebars or SPD pedals but I took the plunge (Genesis Vapour actually) and thought I'd go for it.
Time restraints and dodgy ankles stopped me from being able to play football anymore but actually it turns out it takes up about the same amount of time. You usually have to be there about 1hr before your race, followed by the hour long race, so it takes about the same time as a football match.
I've not managed to do many races this year due to our little boy coming along in June but I've really got the bug and planning for next season to make it to much more.
For my first race I turned up in bibshorts and a football shirt, on a bike that had been out of the box for 2 weeks (bell still attached). One of the teams helped me out a bit with getting to grips with it and let me borrow one of their jerseys. It's a pretty friendly sport.
I would say if you would like a go, go for it, they make great commuter bikes and this morning in the rain I had a bit of free time on the way to work so I went off for a loop in the woods!
Thanks, that's exactly what I have in mind, Time restraints and dodgy ankles stopped me from being able to play football anymore but actually it turns out it takes up about the same amount of time. You usually have to be there about 1hr before your race, followed by the hour long race, so it takes about the same time as a football match.
I've not managed to do many races this year due to our little boy coming along in June but I've really got the bug and planning for next season to make it to much more.
For my first race I turned up in bibshorts and a football shirt, on a bike that had been out of the box for 2 weeks (bell still attached). One of the teams helped me out a bit with getting to grips with it and let me borrow one of their jerseys. It's a pretty friendly sport.
I would say if you would like a go, go for it, they make great commuter bikes and this morning in the rain I had a bit of free time on the way to work so I went off for a loop in the woods!
Steve vRS said:
The Boardman CX team will be along in 5..4..3..2....
Steve
Probably not the best bike to pick if cx racing is the main reason to get it.Steve
The crank is a road compact - so that would have to go.
The frame mounts for mudguards etc cause a buildup point for mud that out and out race bikes don't have.
The frame isn't going to win any awards for lightness, the factory fit tyres aren't mudpluggers (more a light offroad / trail)
As a compromise "do everything" its amazing. As a fast commuter / winter road / light offroad bike its untouchable on price / spec IMHO especially once a couple of discounts chip away at the rrp.
As a race bike? I'll find out how it does at the end of the year but I'm expecting to replace the crank, chainrings, tyres at a minimum.
Planet x have a couple of very nicely specced cx racers on the lineup at the moment, The xls looks amazingly specced at £1600, carbon frame, very nice wheels, ultegra too....
The boardman pro 9.0 comes in at £1500 with a nicer group set (force22) but a heavier ally frame and unimpressive wheels.
After watching the nationals I'd go for discs over rim brakes. The amount of mud on the brakes wad amazing, alright for the pros with 2 bikes and a decent jet wash but if your going to race on your own with one bike the extra weight of disc wheels will far outweight the drag caused by s
te on the brake blocks lol
te on the brake blocks lolI'm in a similar position as I'm trying to lay off the running and I also have a longer commute but don't want a car. The Planet X looks good value but doesn't seem that light considering its carbon and I'd need mudguard eyelets.
I'm waiting on two bike shops to get a TCX 2 and caadx 105 in. The ridley X-bow 105 also looks good but I can't find anywhere within 2 hours that stocks them. For the money they all look similar spec on paper, I just need to try some to make my mind up.
I'm waiting on two bike shops to get a TCX 2 and caadx 105 in. The ridley X-bow 105 also looks good but I can't find anywhere within 2 hours that stocks them. For the money they all look similar spec on paper, I just need to try some to make my mind up.
TheLemming said:
Steve vRS said:
The Boardman CX team will be along in 5..4..3..2....
Steve
Probably not the best bike to pick if cx racing is the main reason to get it.Steve
The crank is a road compact - so that would have to go.
The frame mounts for mudguards etc cause a buildup point for mud that out and out race bikes don't have.
The frame isn't going to win any awards for lightness, the factory fit tyres aren't mudpluggers (more a light offroad / trail)
As a compromise "do everything" its amazing. As a fast commuter / winter road / light offroad bike its untouchable on price / spec IMHO especially once a couple of discounts chip away at the rrp.
As a race bike? I'll find out how it does at the end of the year but I'm expecting to replace the crank, chainrings, tyres at a minimum.
Planet x have a couple of very nicely specced cx racers on the lineup at the moment, The xls looks amazingly specced at £1600, carbon frame, very nice wheels, ultegra too....
The boardman pro 9.0 comes in at £1500 with a nicer group set (force22) but a heavier ally frame and unimpressive wheels.
For racing it's also worth checking cable routes. You don't really want anything under the down or top tube.
Just advertised mine for sale if of interest Ridley X Fire Full carbon :-)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/non-motorin...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/non-motorin...
dai1983 said:
I'm in a similar position as I'm trying to lay off the running and I also have a longer commute but don't want a car. The Planet X looks good value but doesn't seem that light considering its carbon and I'd need mudguard eyelets.
I'm waiting on two bike shops to get a TCX 2 and caadx 105 in. The ridley X-bow 105 also looks good but I can't find anywhere within 2 hours that stocks them. For the money they all look similar spec on paper, I just need to try some to make my mind up.
You can shave 500g+ off the planet x with a decent set of Chinese carbon wheels. I'm waiting on two bike shops to get a TCX 2 and caadx 105 in. The ridley X-bow 105 also looks good but I can't find anywhere within 2 hours that stocks them. For the money they all look similar spec on paper, I just need to try some to make my mind up.
How much does the OP weight? Im never that bothered about overall weight as I weigh 88kg so saving 300g moving from 105 to ultegra isnt going to get me far
uncinquesei said:
And generally, what's the crack with CX? Don't know anyone who's had a go but I fancy it.
Be warned it can be addictive, it's an hour of hell and fun all combined into one. I've always found it to be the friendliest form of racing there is. As for bike, pick something you like, seen a few boardmans being raced this season, looks to be a capable bike. See some guys still racing steel bikes from the 90's. It's all about having a go and enjoying it. Doesn't matter what standard you are at, in the main you will have some one to have a dice with, so everyone gets a race, rather than the pack tears off and leaves you as happens in road racing.If you don't fancy racing, there are more and more adventure cross events appearing, which are sportives with bridleways so some nice off road adventures to be had.
I tried a few CX races for the first time last year. Very friendly group but also highly competitive, I'm a "vet" now, my last racing experience was BMX in the 80's, but CX is a great format; a 60 minute blast at 100%!
I also commute on my CX bike, it's a Roux Conquest 3500 which should meet your Cycle 2 Work budget and is a good all round bit of kit. Good luck and ride well.
I also commute on my CX bike, it's a Roux Conquest 3500 which should meet your Cycle 2 Work budget and is a good all round bit of kit. Good luck and ride well.
Holy Thread Resurrection!
I did my first cyclo-cross race yesterday, handily just down the road. I had a great time, helped by awesome weather.
Great fun, and I'd recommend anyone who's not sure to just give it a go. There were events for kids too, and the atmosphere was very friendly.
(No leader boards were troubled in the making of this post.)
I did my first cyclo-cross race yesterday, handily just down the road. I had a great time, helped by awesome weather.
Great fun, and I'd recommend anyone who's not sure to just give it a go. There were events for kids too, and the atmosphere was very friendly.
(No leader boards were troubled in the making of this post.)
louiebaby said:
Holy Thread Resurrection!
I did my first cyclo-cross race yesterday, handily just down the road. I had a great time, helped by awesome weather.
Great fun, and I'd recommend anyone who's not sure to just give it a go. There were events for kids too, and the atmosphere was very friendly.
(No leader boards were troubled in the making of this post.)
Nice work!I did my first cyclo-cross race yesterday, handily just down the road. I had a great time, helped by awesome weather.
Great fun, and I'd recommend anyone who's not sure to just give it a go. There were events for kids too, and the atmosphere was very friendly.
(No leader boards were troubled in the making of this post.)
I'm planning on doing all the East Kent CX league this year, 2nd race is this Sunday. Last race in September was warm, dry and sunny, as a result the course was really fast and dusty. Hopefully the weather will hold for a few more days so the course doesn't get too wet.
I've been really enjoying learning new skills and taking the time to practice technical stuff on the bike rather than constant cardio sessions. Got a set of 25 little marker cones for a couple of quid so I can mark out twisty, off camber courses on the embankments at my local playing fields and just sessioning cornering etc. Get funny looks off dog walkers but defo helps on race day.
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