Cyclocross - Using a MTB for Cross racing?? A No-No?

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mattm0805
10-21-10, 08:35 PM
I'm very interested in getting into Cyclocross racing. But before I go and purchase a cross bike, can I use a mtb for an upcoming race in Atlanta....or would I be laughed off the course?? I know this is quite the newbie question, but I guess I need to start somewhere.

wanders
10-21-10, 08:44 PM
MTB's are welcomed and encouraged around here. I did my first 3 races on a mtb and depending on the course, it could be an advantage. The technical parts were easier but I got smoked on the flat grassy runs. I still get beaten regularly by guys riding mountain bikes.

Do it.
Darth_Firebolt
10-21-10, 08:48 PM
it doesn't hurt to try. do they leave the course set up when it isn't being used for races?

Rumpled
10-21-10, 08:49 PM
Do it! A good way to find out if you like it.
A number of people do. I've seen some in the top ten in a few categories on MTB's.
As long as it's not a UCI race, it should be fine.
No bar ends either.
Fat Boy
10-21-10, 09:29 PM
Just do it.
SpongeDad
10-21-10, 09:33 PM
Definitely no bar ends, but there's always a hardtail mtb or two in the MABRA C race. In fact, I think the guy who won the Masters (55+) B race at Reston, VA last year was on a 29er.
Andy_K
10-21-10, 10:27 PM
One of the top A racers used a mountain bike here last weekend because he thought it would be best for the course.
RobertFrapples
10-22-10, 05:30 AM
I used a mountain bike for my first cx race. Nobody laughed or gave any indication that they thought I should not be riding it. In the field of 30ish, there were at least five or six mountain bikes.

If you have a suspension fork without a lockout, it might be annoying though.
mattm0805
10-22-10, 07:59 AM
Good question Darth, I'll call the course contact to see if it is setup already, and if so I'll run up there before race day and check the course out. Here is the race flyer.
Thanks for the encouragement....I'm definitely going to do the race!


http://www.dicklanevelodrome.com/pages/psychocross.html
cycleWV_23
10-31-10, 03:00 PM
I just competed in my first race today and the winner used a MTB. My bike, in fact, is a converted Trek Mountain Track rigid hard tail from the 90s that I put a drop bar and STI shifters on. Only thing about the mountain bikes in CX is the weight. with the barriers and shouldering, its a helluvaaaaa burden to carry. Other than that, though, go for it and enjoy!
NYCJohn170
11-01-10, 12:56 PM
Interesting thread topic. When I did my first ever, last year, I also thought an MTB made more sense. Given the way the course here is locally. You look at a Belgian course (where I believe this sport has it's orgins) a cyclo bike is definitely superior. Long flats. But a US Course? Shorter and much more up and down.
X-LinkedRider
11-01-10, 01:01 PM
Completely depends on the course or route. Problem is, you really won't be able to get the gearing wanted for any race with a stretch in it.
Fat Boy
11-01-10, 02:24 PM
Completely depends on the course or route. Problem is, you really won't be able to get the gearing wanted for any race with a stretch in it.

Because you spin out a 44-11? Really? At a cadence of 100 rpm this gearing is good for 31mph. Do you spend a lot of time above 30mph at the CX races you do? I don't.