I'm new to biking in general, but was thinking about trying a cyclocross event. In reading about them, I saw that Disc brakes are not legal! :eek: Does anyone have any insight into why this rule was implemented? I would think the nasty conditions that cyclocross could encounter would mean encouraging disc brakes.

Does the lack of a reply mean that no one knows why they are illegal or that no one cares that they are? :(

I believe disc are not permitted for UCI sponsored events only. Why? You'll have to ask the UCI. :D

there are two reasons, basically...

the first is safety. the idea is that discs can be a safety hazard in tight groups, and going over the barriers in a crowd.

the second is the uci's understandable attampt to create a definition for a cyclo-cross bike that differs from mountain bikes. the rationale is that, in order for the sport to thrive, it must have a unique, definable bike.

whatever the case, the rule only applies to uci-sanctioned races.

Then why does Cannondale build a Cross bike with a disc?

cannondale also builds -- or built -- a cross bike with a suspension fork. go figure.

i suspect that very few people who buy disc-equipped cyclo-cross bikes will ever have to worry about uci rules.