Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Cyclocross for Beginners

  • 04-10-2017 11:32am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭


    Been riding on the road for a few years now, not racing but a few sportives and commuting. Been looking at getting a new bike of late (bike to work is due again) and cyclocross looks like great fun.

    Few questions
    For in or around 1000 and 1500 what should I be buying?
    Are you allowed cycle around parks and public areas?
    Anywhere recommended around Maynooth/Celbridge to give it a go?

    TIA


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,221 ✭✭✭thekooman


    have a look at pricespy.co.uk for Caadx tiagra or caadx 105... can't go wrong with the price. i run mine as a winter bike as well after putting a 52 36 crankset on it. not a great Bottom bracket (bb30) but still a good buy for the money.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,929 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    Saw the 2017 CAADX 105 for just under €900 from one of the UK stores. Gotta be worth that. No idea on delivery charges.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 315 ✭✭rodneyTrotter.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Alek


    Here's a better one IMO

    http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike

    1x11 Sram gears, fully hydraulic brakes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭Jmcmen




  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 172 ✭✭scott.s


    I'd recommend the Vitus CX range. Bought one 2 years ago it's perfect for entry level. Sram 1x11 hydro, tubeless ready wheels and tyres, and they look nice too :) All that for 1100

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-bikes-energie-cyclo-x-bike-apex-1x11-2018/rp-prod159446


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,423 ✭✭✭lizzylad84


    I've a boardman cx team and find it good. Could probably be a bit more race focused but ideal for beginner cx. Ideal for winter commute too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 771 ✭✭✭Rojo


    Sorry to hyjack... is there anywhere in Ireland you can try out cyclocross on rentals?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭markens2


    Cheers for all the advice. Any advice on a focus mares 105??

    I'd also love to try cyclocross before buying one. Any suggestions??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,080 ✭✭✭bilbot79


    Just purchased this

    https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/EBPXXLSULT/planet-x-xls-shimano-ultegra-6800-carbon-cyclo-cross-bike

    Gonna be my commuter but also looking to do a bit of off road. I have a spare set of spd sl pedals, will they be alright as most recommendations are for mtb pedals?


  • Advertisement
  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 15,812 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    bilbot79 wrote: »
    Gonna be my commuter but also looking to do a bit of off road. I have a spare set of spd sl pedals, will they be alright as most recommendations are for mtb pedals?

    For off road, SPD pedals and cleats (as opposed to SPD SL) will allow you to walk easily in your cycling shoes. The cleats are also tougher and better at dealing with mud.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,080 ✭✭✭bilbot79


    smacl wrote: »
    For off road, SPD pedals and cleats (as opposed to SPD SL) will allow you to walk easily in your cycling shoes. The cleats are also tougher and better at dealing with mud.

    I thought there would be a distinct advantage! I'll stick with the spd sls for now though because 1/ it's mainly for commuting and 2/ I have a spare set so it will save me investing.

    I presume spds require different cleats aswell?


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 15,812 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    bilbot79 wrote: »
    I presume spds require different cleats aswell?

    Yep. Smaller, fully recessed, 2 bolt metal cleats.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,556 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    I have spd's on my commuter, and use them with road shoes (some will take 2 bolt as well as three bolt). I can't say they're any easier in and out with that set up that spd-sl's tbh - actually had more issues even given the fact they're double sided.

    My first recessed spd shoes (the specialised ones that were on the bargain alerts thread) arrived during the week but I haven't had a chance to compare but I'm assuming the recess will make clipping in and out easier with spd's.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,218 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Macy0161 wrote: »
    I have spd's on my commuter, and use them with road shoes (some will take 2 bolt as well as three bolt). I can't say they're any easier in and out with that set up that spd-sl's tbh - actually had more issues even given the fact they're double sided.

    My first recessed spd shoes (the specialised ones that were on the bargain alerts thread) arrived during the week but I haven't had a chance to compare but I'm assuming the recess will make clipping in and out easier with spd's.

    In my experience...

    If you miss a clip in with SPDs you can fumble them in within a couple of pedal strokes.

    If you miss a clip in with SPD-SLs you get smashed in the shin and risk snotting yourself on the asphalt.

    This is particularly an issue in for dark wet winter commuting when taking off at pace from traffic lights.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 265 ✭✭markens2


    bilbot79 wrote: »
    Just purchased this

    https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/EBPXXLSULT/planet-x-xls-shimano-ultegra-6800-carbon-cyclo-cross-bike

    Gonna be my commuter but also looking to do a bit of off road. I have a spare set of spd sl pedals, will they be alright as most recommendations are for mtb pedals?

    Do they accept bike to work?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,295 ✭✭✭ckeego


    Alek wrote: »
    Here's a better one IMO

    http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike

    1x11 Sram gears, fully hydraulic brakes.

    I was lucky enough to get one of these a few weeks ago in Halfords..

    Halfords aren't going to stock CX anymore, so I picked it up for less than a K with the groupscheme discount.

    The groupset alone on discount on Merlin is 1100 euro, so it's a very good deal.

    It also happens to be one of the most comfortable bikes I have ridden in a long, long time.

    It is a tad heavy, but I've really enjoyed riding it off road-tempted to put a set of 25 or 28mm race tyres on it for a few weeks when race training starts after Christmas..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,556 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    ckeego wrote: »
    Halfords aren't going to stock CX anymore, so I picked it up for less than a K with the groupscheme discount.
    Really - do you have a link to that? They still have the current Team and Comp models up at full price. The one you linked to is the 2014 end of line.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,295 ✭✭✭ckeego


    Macy0161 wrote: »
    Really - do you have a link to that? They still have the current Team and Comp models up at full price. The one you linked to is the 2014 end of line.

    http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike-50-53-55-5-57-5cm-frames

    That's the 2016/17 model that I got.

    Cracking bike..You can get 10% off with Groupscheme or Axa

    There are a few 53.5 around, for sure. A 55.5 up in Sligo up until recently.

    I was very lucky in that the 55.5 I got was "shopsoiled"-now, all it was was a small scratch on a chainguard sticker, and I got a further few bob off..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,556 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    It was more the halfords aren't going to do cross bikes bit I was wondering about! Have that model lined up as missus n+1.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,295 ✭✭✭ckeego


    Macy0161 wrote: »
    It was more the halfords aren't going to do cross bikes bit I was wondering about! Have that model lined up as missus n+1.

    The manager in Liffey Valley was telling me that (very surprisingly!) that the CX bikes just didn't sell and that they were no longer going to stock them..

    It's a real pity as they are cracking bikes, and you should see the newest CX Elite from Boardman...Sweeeeeet:cool:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,556 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    ckeego wrote: »
    The manager in Liffey Valley was telling me that (very surprisingly!) that the CX bikes just didn't sell and that they were no longer going to stock them..
    Might be that they'll be order only maybe? I was looking at the boardman TT bike earlier in the year, and none of my local stores stocked it, but click and collect in a week or so if you checked.

    It's definitely a nice bike - has me trying to justify it for myself, but picked up a second hand cross bike for gravel rides with the aim of trying racing next autumn. Then I'll look at CX+1...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,295 ✭✭✭ckeego


    Macy0161 wrote: »
    Might be that they'll be order only maybe? I was looking at the boardman TT bike earlier in the year, and none of my local stores stocked it, but click and collect in a week or so if you checked.

    It's definitely a nice bike - has me trying to justify it for myself, but picked up a second hand cross bike for gravel rides with the aim of trying racing next autumn. Then I'll look at CX+1...

    CX+1... Now that would REALLY get me divorced 😂


Advertisement