Cyclocross - Any big guys ride Cyclocross?

I am looking to buy a Cross bike, first to ride, then maybe compete. I am currently a Clyde in the 275 pound area and was wondering if any of you at this size ride and more specifically if you have any problems with tire pressure. I have been trying out a bike, and making sure to keep the tires fully inflated, but I can't help but think that the rear tire looks a little low at times. Any thoughts?

Hello --

Yes. I do -- I have a Kona JTS and have put over 3k miles on it with no issues beyond wear (brakes, mostly). You mght want to check out the clydes forum -- lots of info there.

At that weight, any frame will be fine, and many of us went with cross because they are more versatile, more robust and almost as fast as road bikes with the right tires. If you can only have one bike, they're a good choice. I -- like many -- have two sets of wheels: the stock ones with bigger tires (38s) for winter, mud and dirt, and a set of custom road wheels for the bike path and for hanging with roadies.

As for tires pressure...you need to go by measurement, not what you see. I ride 28 conti gatorskins on the raod wheels and have them up at 115 psi, and they still flex out when i sit on the bike. As long as your near the top of the pressure rating on the tires and you're not getting pinch flats, you should be fine. Keep in mind that bike tires (well, tubes actually) lose pressure over time as the rubber is a little porous. I couldn't ride for 3 weeks due to illness, and when i started again this week my tires were down to 65 psi...I had left them at 115.

Two other thoughts. First, at that weight you need to pay good attention to the wheels, and consider getting a more robust set hand-made for you. There's a ton of info on this on the clyde forums -- I've had great luck with deep vs. And second, some folks -- myself included -- stay away from carbon parts and frames at that weight. The phrase "spectacular failure" makes me nervous, and carbon is often designed fgor the lighter folks.

FWIW, I"m 6'4 and as of this morning 228.

Everything Adrien said...

A cross bike is a good choice for anyone, especially bigger dudes like us. You will be fine riding or racing. Just get one that fits well (that should have little if nothing to do with your weight), ride appropriate wheels (higher spoke count usually), and keep the tires at their max (you can actually go quite higher) and you should be fine. Carbon seems scary but propery installed (torked and prepped) it can give a boost in performance and/or comfort even for bigger dudes. Research carbon bits before you buy and consult with your LBS and the manufacturer for installation.

Every time I look down at my rear tire, I think it's leaking. As long as you're not flatting, it's all good!

Good luck!

Edit: I'm 6'4", 215 on a Yeti ARC-X with carbon fork and seat post. I'm a bit lighter but I've not had any issues.

Lighter Clyde yet here, at 200 lbs. (can't get any lower, it's weird).

I was 225 a year ago. I never quite had that problem with skinnier tires (25) because I could pump them so high. With a good set of wheels you should be able to go even a bit past the rating and be ok, like 125 psi. on a 115 rated tire. I do this lots.

However, on the flipside lots of newer cross bikes have disc brakes and you can run 29'er MTB rims and tires with them. Pump 'em up good, and you'll still be ok because big, wide tires can deal with more weight and less pressure better.

Have fun!

two words: dale knapp.