Cyclocross Bikes Buying Guide
Everyone rides
bicycles for different reasons. If you ride
cyclocross bikes, then you are interested in the competitive level of biking. Cyclocross bikes are similar to road bikes except they are built to withstand much more due to the intense trails they go over. And because of the rough elements associated with cyclocross biking, it is very important to understand what factors to consider when buying one.
Frame Design
* Higher bottom brackets on the bike frame allow the pedals to have better clearance.
* Frames are thicker and stronger in order to withstand rough and fast roads. The ideal frame material is aluminum or carbon fiber.
* The triangle of the frame is clean and wide. Without extra tubing, there is less interference when carrying the bike.
* Forks, like the rest of the frame, are also very rigid.
Tires
* Tires must have a lot of grip in order to go through and clear mud. However, avoid tires thicker than 1.5" because fat tires have trouble making a clean cut through mud.
* The standard wheel in cyclocross is the
700c road wheel. It is important for the wheel to be strong and durable, but it is also essential for the wheel to have a good weight so that it can last longer in harsh winter conditions.
Pedals
* Pedals often will be covered in mud, which in turn slows down clipping when riding. In order to avoid such mishaps,
Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals.
Brakes and Gears
* Cyclocross biking involves a great variety of terrains and steep inclines. Flexibility can be had with double chainrings with 39 to 48 teeth.
* General
derailleurs and
shifters can be used because there isn't a cyclocross specific division for transmission gears.
* High quality cyclocross bicycles come with
disc brakes. Disc brakes are effective in muddy conditions because they prevent clogging and use hydraulic systems instead of cable operated brakes to simplify the bike frame.
Rules
In order to compete in cyclocross races, there are specific adjustments that all bikes must adhere to.
* Handlebars must not be more than 50 cm.
* Tires must not be thicker than 35 mm.
* Wheels must have at least 12 spokes.
* Bikes must not weigh less than 15 lbs.
* Disc brakes are forbidden.
Major Manufacturers
*
Alan Products
*
Bianchi USA
*
Brodie
*
Cannondale
*
Dean Ultimate Bicycles
*
Fuji
*
Guerciotti
*
Jamis
*
Kelly Bikes
*
Kona
*
Scott Addict
*
Ridley
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