getting started in cyclocross

pm78

I rode a4 this year and just wandering about getting started in cyclocross. Does everyone at events ride on cyclocross specific bikes? Are there a and b races at events? Any recomendations for entry level bikes? Would a beginner be way out of their depth racing? How would you train? Are races dangerous? As questions indicate, I know v little about cyclocross but am considering it as an option to improve bike handling over winter so all feedback appreciated.

nak

There are A and B races in the Fixx Supercross cup. B races are fine for beginners (and us slower riders). Think they allow mountain bikes in the B races, but the majority would be on a cross bike. Men and women race together. B race is around 40 minutes.

Training wise, trails in Phoenix Park, Bushy Park etc, turbo trainer, running. It's great fun, give it a go.

Raam

I prefer not to see MTB in CX races, but that's just me. The relevant organisers are lenient sometimes.

It's pretty safe racing. The only hairy bit is the start since it's a sprint to get position but it thins out pretty quick. Then it's just you trying to catch the guy in front and stay away from the guy behind.

Some courses lend themselves to a bit more danger than others but everything is ridable. Even if you think you can't ride it, just jump off the bike and traverse that section by foot. Most courses are very safe.

If you do fall off it's more than likely going to be on grass or mud so it's a soft landing. That's not to say that you can't crash hard at times.

For training, you want to be able to put in multiple bursts of energy and be able to recover from them. Be able to corner fast, so practice that; 90, 120 degree corners. Again and again. And again and again and again. As mentioned, try a bit of running too. Get someone to show you how to dismount and remount, especially with others around you. So much time can be saved if you can do it right.

It's great for bike handling.

AstraMonti

There was used to be training sessions at Knocklyon park Tuesdays and Thursdays, anyone knows if it's still happening?

DKO

Sessions in Knocklyon did not run last year and will not run again I think.

There were sessions though around and about last year, but it would be best if clubs/groups got sessions going somewhere in their own locality. There is no official practice spot for cross and if groups get too big or start to tear places up then there will be complaints. There are no 'sanctioned' locations for cross taining as far as I know.

Cross is great, its is pretty safe racing, there could be tangles at the start, but beyond that speeds are going to be slow relative to road and the surface is typicaly a lot softer than tarmac. No bunch riding either except for the start.

Inquitus

Is there a race Calendar available for CX anywhere?

quozl

Inquitus wrote: »

Is there a race Calendar available for CX anywhere?

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/full-details-of-upcoming-cyclocross-season-three-leagues-with-record-breaking-18-races/

DubVelo

Do people use SPDs with all the dismounting, and feet out on slippy corners etc.?

Raam

DubVelo wrote: »

Do people use SPDs with all the dismounting, and feet out on slippy corners etc.?

Yes. I've seen one person use road pedals and cleats. It wasn't graceful.

woodseb

quozl wrote: »

http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/full-details-of-upcoming-cyclocross-season-three-leagues-with-record-breaking-18-races/

interested in doing a few of these this year - where do you sign up for them?

dave_o_brien

Having made my incredibly inglorious debut in cross last year, on a bike a friend had loaned me while he went to Australia for a year, I have now committed to doing a few of these and bought myself a second hand cross bike.

For newcomers, it is tough, incredibly skillful, wet, cold, and great fun. You don't need to be any good to have fun; I certainly wasn't.

If anyone does want to organise the odd skills session in the Phoenix Park or wherever, I'd be very, very interested in going along. It was shocking how quick others seemed to be able to corner in what was essentially liquid earth. I would love to be less sh*t than last time!

Jmcmen

Excuse my ignorance but do you need a specific frame or could you pimp up your road bike with a set of Cyclecross tires and/or wheels? What size wheel do you roll on in Cyclecross?

I am interested I must admit. I'm sure the wife to be is not too happy with the interest though. Another thing to spend money on.

Raam

Jmcmen wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance but do you need a specific frame or could you pimp up your road bike with a set of Cyclecross tires and/or wheels? What size wheel do you roll on in Cyclecross?

I am interested I must admit. I'm sure the wife to be is not too happy with the interest though. Another thing to spend money on.

You will need a frame with enough clearance for wider tyres and for allowing mud to clear. Otherwise your race might be over pretty quickly.

Wheels are 700c but can be wider than normal road wheels, but not always.

Jmcmen

Cheers Raam

DubVelo

Would some of these be good for having a go:
Schwalbe CX Comp

Or would something more knobbly be the thing?
Schwalbe CX Pro

I'm tempted to get a pair even if I just end up tooling around some forestry paths and gravel roads.

Tenzor07

Just to echo what's already been said:

There are no official/Sanctioned CX training grounds in or around Dublin, individual clubs can setup groups for training, even in a local field if you have some traffic cones for cornering or pallets for practicing dismounts... I would also suggest if you are organising training sessions in some of the Dublin parks that you do so in private rather than on a public forum as you may have some none too happy parks staff reading this which could affect race organisers getting permissions to run races...
I have been doing some of my own cross training in a certain large Dublin city park, so one or a small handful of people is unlikely to get the attention of park rangers, anymore than that and they will "ask" you to leave..

I know certain people have ran training session, but don't wait for the same people to do that again.. I am sure most of the bigger clubs would have at least one member who has raced CX who could start up some sessions?

Main differences with a CX bike is different geometry, higher bottom bracket, with longer chainstays and wider also for mud clearance, canti brakes, beefier forks and internally routed cables for ease of carrying and keeping them out of the mud

Tenzor07

woodseb wrote: »

interested in doing a few of these this year - where do you sign up for them?

Keep an eye on Cycling Ireland on Facebook etc, and Stickybottle also, sign on will open a couple of weeks before an event for the Fixx CX series.. And Ulster XC if you feel like a drive to the North.
I am sure the Swords lads will have a website up like they did last year?

Raam

Tenzor07 wrote: »

I am sure the Swords lads will have a website up like they did last year?

Watch this space.

lennymc

yayyy. cx is here again!

i_surge

Going to go with tubs this year.

Should I pay someone to fit them or DIY? Shop recommendations?

I'll give them love and care but won't know what I'm doing vs. someone who won't care if I face plant but will have the experience

Raam

i_surge wrote: »

Going to go with tubs this year.

Should I pay someone to fit them or DIY? Shop recommendations?

I'll give them love and care but won't know what I'm doing vs. someone who won't care if I face plant but will have the experience

I glued my own first time and they are still attached. It's not difficult. I do wish that I had sealed the sidewalls of the Dugast though. They don't look too good in places.

gearoidkerry

Hi all sorry I no nothing about cx but I like the idea of it,would a giant defy 3(black and yello one)fitted with cx tyres work?also wat system of clipping in your shoes if not spd? Looks like good fun.thanks for yer help.

nak

gearoidkerry wrote: »

Hi all sorry I no nothing about cx but I like the idea of it,would a giant defy 3(black and yello one)fitted with cx tyres work?also wat system of clipping in your shoes if not spd? Looks like good fun.thanks for yer help.

Any mountain bike pedals, so spds are fine. Not sure if there's enough clearance on that bike. Brakes are either cantis or mini-vs (the latter get clogged pretty quickly in mud).

Raam

gearoidkerry wrote: »

Hi all sorry I no nothing about cx but I like the idea of it,would a giant defy 3(black and yello one)fitted with cx tyres work?also wat system of clipping in your shoes if not spd? Looks like good fun.thanks for yer help.

There probably would not be enough clearance to run suitable tyres.
Also you need canti style brakes or at least NOT caliper style.

If not SPD then you can use Time Atac or any other MTB type cleat+pedal or flats if you really prefer.

bogmanfan

What license is required for these races? And would it be mad to try CX races without ever having raced on the road?

Raam

bogmanfan wrote: »

What license is required for these races? And would it be mad to try CX races without ever having raced on the road?

Any road license will do (A1 - A4 on your license). If you have an off-road license (starts with an O) then that will also do. To the best of my knowledge anyway.

No need to have road experience to ride these.

pm78

Thanks for all the feedback. Will keep an eye out for something second hand. Cant justify a new bike unfortunatley. It does sound good fun and can only imagine it wouldd massively improve bike handling. Anyone with a cheap second hand bike out there?

bogmanfan

Raam wrote: »

Any road license will do (A1 - A4 on your license). If you have an off-road license (starts with an O) then that will also do. To the best of my knowledge anyway.

No need to have road experience to ride these.

Thanks for the info. I only have a club competition license, so I suppose I'd need to upgrade. Will wait for next year I think.

DubVelo

nak wrote: »

Any mountain bike pedals, so spds are fine. Not sure if there's enough clearance on that bike. Brakes are either cantis or mini-vs (the latter get clogged pretty quickly in mud).

Normal non-mini Vs are OK, right?

nak

DubVelo wrote: »

Normal non-mini Vs are OK, right?

Think there are ways around it, but STI levers aer not compatible with full-v brakes. Mini-vs are fine on a dry course, in the mud be prepared to stop lots to clear mud off the bike (that's shy I'm mot using them anymore). Some of the
newer frames are disc brake compatible.

DubVelo

nak wrote: »

Think there are ways around it, but STI levers aer not compatible with full-v brakes. Mini-vs are fine on a dry course, in the mud be prepared to stop lots to clear mud off the bike (that's shy I'm mot using them anymore). Some of the
newer frames are disc brake compatible.

Ah, I've got around that by not having any gears to change. I have a SS bike that'd be perfect for it, just needs a set of tyres and it's good to go.