Whats with Cyclocross?

[Little Leo]

Hello, I am a XC racer from the MTB world. I have found the Cross races to be a little different. So I am woundering why do you guys use road bikes, can any road bike be used, why use the drop bars( I would think it would be hard to control the bike), and what is the major difference from a MT race and a Cross race.

I hop to do a cyclocross race one day because it looks like a blast! But I only have my MT bike and a nice road bike.

Thank you
Little Leo

[thatguy]

Gotta love Wiki: (read this first)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross

Yes you can use your mtn bike. You won't be the only one that does. Do it. You will get hooked.

[Little Leo]

Gotta love Wiki: (read this first)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross

Yes you can use your mtn bike. You won't be the only one that does. Do it. You will get hooked.

Wow, thats pretty cool that you can have a pit crew!
Thanks!!

[nycphotography]

Gotta love Wiki: (read this first)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross

Yes you can use your mtn bike. You won't be the only one that does. Do it. You will get hooked.

I havent been yet, as I decided I was not in shape enuogh to go this year... but I'm hearing reports that as participation increases and it is no longer difficult to field a race, some clubs / tracks / events or whatever are starting to disallow flat bars.

I'd be curious to hear the status of this.

[thatguy]

I havent been yet, as I decided I was not in shape enuogh to go this year... but I'm hearing reports that as participation increases and it is no longer difficult to field a race, some clubs / tracks / events or whatever are starting to disallow flat bars.

I'd be curious to hear the status of this.

I've never heard of this, but I guess it could be true in some of the more popular cities. Here in Fla. I think they would let you ride a unicycle if it got another person to participate. You could always check with your local race series, but I would assume flat bars are ok, especially in the beginners class.

[thurstonboise]

I'm in the same place. Not in good enough shape to race this year, going to start training once my arm heals. Here you can run mountain bikes, but bar ends are a no-no.

[fenester]

It seems a little crazy to me to ban flat bars; if you're hell bent on riding that way you could just use wide drop bars w/ cross levers and it would amount to the same thing. If they wanted to control the bikes used I would think wheel size would make the most sense (no 26" wheeled bikes).
[edit: I checked the bicycle specific link from the wiki entry and they've covered that, no bars wider than 50cm]

[i_r_beej]

That's too bad about the UCI handlebar rule.

In response to the OP, drop bars are NOT a hindrance to control.

The absolute ultimate handle bar is On-One's "Midge" handlebar. It falls, sort of, into the "dirt drop" category. However, it puts all other drop bars to shame when the going gets rough.

Control and a sense of security are enhanced when riding in the drops of the Midge bars. They're absolutely incredible.

The only reason why i haven't put Midge bars on my mountain bike (Cannondale F700) is the expense of replacing components (hydraulic to cable discs, stem, brake and shift levers). They're that good.

For me, the great thing about cyclocross races is that i can afford to really exert myself for the required 45 minutes. It's puke-inducing, but i can manage that. The longer distances typical of XC races are a different kind of exertion-- i can go the distance, but at more of a "DFL" pace! :^)

Another great thing about CX: When the weather turns in the fall-- the season is just beginning! It's something to look forward to here in the gloomy, soggy, PNW.

[Little Leo]

The only reason why i haven't put Midge bars on my mountain bike (Cannondale F700) is the expense of replacing components (hydraulic to cable discs, stem, brake and shift levers). They're that good.


Thanks for answering my question that was to embarrassing to ask. I have been working on putting my mt brakes and shifters onto some drop bars. Its going to work but to stop you need to be on the top. Kind of unsafe!

So Im gonna just save up for a real bike. A LeMond or somthing.

Thank for the imput
Leo

[prof]

I LOVE the cross racing. It is intense, painful, suffering, but for only 30-60min depending on your class. Also it is really easy to get involved with (at least here in Ohio River Valley area). Beginner (Cat 5) is a mix of big bellied fellas on mtbs with PBR in their water bottles and uber lien crit racers who can't control a bicycle off-road. Many of the courses I have riden are 1-2mile loops with varying degrees of short climbs, off-camber turns, and sloshy muddy straights. A LOAD OF FUN!

[endform]

That's too bad about the UCI handlebar rule.

The only people who need to worry about UCI rules are those with UCI licenses and racing in a sanctioned race. At least out here the only cross race that was UCI sanctioned was the pro race at the USGP cross final out in hillsborough. Anyone racing C's, B's and local A's at least around here does not have to worry about any UCI garbage.