Cyclocross Bike on Singletrack
10-14-12, 07:33 PM
#26
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So, can a cyclocross bike hang with a mountain bike on technical trails? How technical can the trails be?
Here in Lynchburg, VA we have a plethora of trails, to simple hard-packed dirt single track to unmaintained super-steep singletrack with lots of rocks, ruts, and roots.
It may be hard to describe, but what I want to know, is how much off-roading can a cyclocross bike handle?
If you are familiar with Lynchburg (i.e. Blackwater Creek, Peaks View, Candlers Mountain) make specific references to what it can/can't handle.
Thanks so much.
Here in Lynchburg, VA we have a plethora of trails, to simple hard-packed dirt single track to unmaintained super-steep singletrack with lots of rocks, ruts, and roots.
It may be hard to describe, but what I want to know, is how much off-roading can a cyclocross bike handle?
If you are familiar with Lynchburg (i.e. Blackwater Creek, Peaks View, Candlers Mountain) make specific references to what it can/can't handle.
Thanks so much.
Im a student hear in lynchburg and I use my chili con crosso for just about everything. Chandlers mountain is very manageable on a cross bike even on my 1x10 setup. i have no problem taking on the latter obstacles on a trail too far and some of that trail is pretty Knar. Black water is really well maintained with only a few spots that require dismount for say swinging bridges and some really rocky climbs. Im Not too familiar with peaks view other than their disc golf course but I don't think you would have much trouble. In the end a cross bike can be all the bike really need it just depends of you level of bike handling. If your not super comfortable on the bike work on you bike handling and you can conquer a lot hear in lynchburg.
10-15-12, 11:58 AM
#27
or tarckeemoon, depending
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There are some limitations.
Skinnier tires are not the best on stuff like slick roots and you won't have the same traction on steep, loose climbs. A typical cross bike will also not go as low in the gearing department.
I enjoyed riding my cross bike on trails, but I'm glad I have a 29er built up now.
Skinnier tires are not the best on stuff like slick roots and you won't have the same traction on steep, loose climbs. A typical cross bike will also not go as low in the gearing department.
I enjoyed riding my cross bike on trails, but I'm glad I have a 29er built up now.
10-16-12, 01:46 AM
#28
Banned
There are sections of race courses laid out with single track,
hard to pass on, like thru the trees, etc.
but, places that you can plough through with a suspension Fork.
you may need to finesse with superior bike handling skills,
Given, you lack the Wide tires and suspension.
hard to pass on, like thru the trees, etc.
but, places that you can plough through with a suspension Fork.
you may need to finesse with superior bike handling skills,
Given, you lack the Wide tires and suspension.
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-28-12 at 12:25 PM.
10-16-12, 04:11 PM
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Hardpack singletrack, no problem, but I find myself getting pinch flats consistently on a couple of rocky sections on my local trails. Overall, the bike can handle it, but tyres may be another story. Tyre problems asside, it would have to get pretty technical or rough before I'd be uncomfortable on the cross bike. As long as you aren't trying to set any speed records, you can finess your way through some pretty technical terrain, and shouldering a CX bike can sometimes be easier than trying to gear down and spin over certain sections on a mountain bike anyway.
10-27-12, 11:56 PM
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10-28-12, 06:29 AM
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Zombie thread
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
10-21-13, 04:48 PM
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Hey Zombie thread. So do folks run a mountain triple for this sort of thing? Seems like that, along with the biggest tires you fit, would make this more doable.
10-22-13, 11:51 AM
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I think riding single track makes you a better cross racer in general due to the required bike handling skills. Cross bikes are a blast on the flats and the open sections, but expect to be on the brakes allot in the technical sections and the descents. In that way it's almost like the mtn biking flipped on it's head.
10-22-13, 12:06 PM
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My only single track experience is on a cyclocross bike. It is fun and I am the only limiting factor on what it can go over.
10-22-13, 08:17 PM
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I use 46/36, 12-28 and 42's. My mtb is a 26" singlespeed 36/18 with 2.2 tires. They are both used for the same trails. No need for a mtb triple imo.
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10-22-13, 11:16 PM
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My cannondale Super X loves a good blast around the local singe track networks, the superX frame really does a great job of absorbing all those bumps....
