Using A Road Bike For Mild Cyclocross Apps.
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Using A Road Bike For Mild Cyclocross Apps.
Question ... I have found a way to commute to work which includes riding on fire roads and a bit of double track (mild roots and rocks mixed in). I was contemplating throwing a more aggressive set of tires on my back up road bike and giving it a whirl. Looks like there is clearance for a wider tire and I have a Mavic Ksyrium ES wheelset on the bike which seems pretty bomb proof. I don't ride this bike very much any more but I don't want to ruin it either (Litespeed Liege / Dura Ace 9 speed / Reynolds Ouzo Pro CF fork w/1" CF steerer, Bontrager XXX Lite CF stem & matching handlebars). Looking for some advice on tires to consider and whether I am asking for trouble using this set up for mild off road use (ride will be about 5 miles off road / 10 miles on road). I do a lot of mt. biking so my bike handling skills are good and I have and an old pair of spd pedals that I would install on the bike.
What do you think? Anybody have a backpack recommendation which holds laptop and a change of clothes (there are showers at work)? Finally, do you typically bring two pairs of shorts / jerseys (second pair needed for the ride home)? Ride will take ~ 60 minutes so changing into a pair of sweaty bibs for the ride home is not very appealing (or hygenic).
What do you think? Anybody have a backpack recommendation which holds laptop and a change of clothes (there are showers at work)? Finally, do you typically bring two pairs of shorts / jerseys (second pair needed for the ride home)? Ride will take ~ 60 minutes so changing into a pair of sweaty bibs for the ride home is not very appealing (or hygenic).
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Bottom line is.. if you want to do cyclocross, your best bet is a cyclocross bike.
Still, carbon fibre is tough and with tough tires you will be probably be fine, as long as you aren't hopping around on it.
Still, carbon fibre is tough and with tough tires you will be probably be fine, as long as you aren't hopping around on it.
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How heavy are you? It might be cheaper to buy/build a CX bike for commuting than fixing the wear created by using a road bike.
Michael
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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.
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.
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Throw the widest tires you can on there and go for it. I love riding my road bike on dirt roads, they are just so much more interesting.