Cyclocross - 8 Speed drivetrain for cross?

I am a pretty big noob to cross, hence all the questions that I ask, are 8-speed drivetrains looked down on in the race scene? How do they compete with 10 speeds? I'm sure you are like this stupid m/f.

No one usually looked down upon for gear choices, especially when you are just starting out. I doubt you will be at any disadvantage with 8 speed. Myself, I really like 8 & 9 speed stuff for cross. They are cheap for used parts and I think the 8 speed bits are more durable. Additionally, if you have several 8 speed cassettes around, you can build your own cassette for the gears you want.

are 8-speed drivetrains looked down on in the race scene?

How many times has anyone actually seen another racer bending down counting cogs on your cassette? With my bifocals, OK, I'm old, I have get right on top of a cassette to see. No way do I want to find out that bad. And what difference would it make anyhow.

In lower categories, your equipment won't matter too much. Even some of the fast guys use 9speed over 10 speed.

Most important thing is your skills. Bike handling and dismount/remounts

In the faster categories people don't give a **** what you ride. It's usually in the lower categories where it's equal parts racing and posing where someone might make a remark. If you beat that person it makes it even sweeter, it is racing after all, not a bike show.

no one really cares

but where are you going to find good 8spd road style stuff these days?

I don't race, however-
IMHO - 1x8, 1x9, 1x10, 1x11 or 12; who cares ?
With a good motor not sure it really makes much difference.
My preference would be 1x9 because there are a lot of components available.
8 sp is getting harder to find; 10,11,12 sp are usually more expensive and some will say
less durable.

I like seeing ppl on older rigs placing. Better yet.. i like seeing the guys wearing the crazy ass outfits placing. It's like an anti-marketing campaign. "i'll kick your a$$ with my converse, boardshorts, and bell"..or something like that.

8 speed is a good choice because the cassettes and chains are more robust in tough conditions. I run 9 speed rather than 10 speed for that reason.

In addition to the durability and delicateness of 10 speed drivetrains already mentioned, I would add that I find CX racing to be one discipline where having a nice narrow progression of gears isn't as important. Due to the terrain changes and constant cornering, I usually find myself dumping or jumping 2-3 gears at a time in cross. 8 or 9 speed works fine, and perhaps even better for this.

I got my butt handed to me by a heavily bearded guy wearing below-the-knee cut off dockers and riding a no-name 1970-s bike boom bike with Single speed drivetrain and knobbies. I have respect for him and enjoyed racing with him.

I regularly get my butt handed to me by my buddy on his Motobecane. I have respect for him and enjoy racing with him.

Bottom Line: Gear that does not get in your way is good gear. Get out there and be fast and suddenly it won't matter what other people think of your gear.

WHY? Because FAST = GOOD :)

Cyclocross is one discipline where I insist on going out and having a good time regardless of my fitness level or gear. And it is a great sport for doing just that.

I got my butt handed to me by a heavily bearded guy wearing below-the-knee cut off dockers and riding a no-name 1970-s bike boom bike with Single speed drivetrain and knobbies. I have respect for him and enjoyed racing with him.

I regularly get my butt handed to me by my buddy on his Motobecane. I have respect for him and enjoy racing with him.

Bottom Line: Gear that does not get in your way is good gear. Get out there and be fast and suddenly it won't matter what other people think of your gear.

WHY? Because FAST = GOOD :)

Cyclocross is one discipline where I insist on going out and having a good time regardless of my fitness level or gear. And it is a great sport for doing just that.

+1000

Too bad the CF wonder boys over in the Road Forum haven't figured that out yet.

Around here nobody gets looked down on for anything. At my first race a spectator pushed me up a hill on the last lap because I was dogging so badly, and nobody looked down on me at that race.

Actually, I have to correct myself. I have seen people get looked down upon for being jerks in various ways.