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Getting Ready for Cyclocross
With falling leaves in the air, cooler mornings and darker evenings, the die-hard riders among us are all ramping up for one thing: cyclocross racing! The season is already well underway, but the best is yet to come.
Racing 'cross is a fun way to close out a cycling season. It's social, the courses are short, safe, and usually near metro areas, and the vibe is decidedly festive. If you're new to it, a little research can go a long way to making your first experience better.
Getting Ready for Cyclocross Racing
Cyclocross, requires specific equipment to navigate its unique challenges. From muddy courses to technical obstacles, having the right gear can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment.
The Bike
- Specific Design: Although both look like road bikes with knobby tires, cyclocross bikes are not the same as gravel bikes. You can get away with using a gravel bike in a CX race, but proper 'cross bikes have a shorter wheelbase and steeper, more agile frame geometry to handle the tight, twisty courses. They are also likely to be stiffer and less forgiving in terms of ride quality, because the nature of the sport dictates short, full-throttle efforts rather than the longer, aerobic activity of gravel riding.
- Tire Choice: 'Cross fanatics love to nerd out on tire choice for different weather conditions and course composition. However, a good "do it all" tire can get you through most of a season. If it's really muddy, consider a specific mud tire. In general, look for tires with a good balance of rolling resistance and grip.
- Weight: As much as we don't want to worry about bike weight, it's a real thing in 'cross. With frequent changes of direction and speed, plus the need to actually lift the bike and run up hills or over barriers, the lightest bike you can build will be to your advantage. An Alpine Scale can help compare bike weight, especially before and after various modifications.
Equipment for the Event
- Portable Trainer: Warming up is critical because the races start fast and stay fast. Certainly, riding around the race venue can get you warmed up, but it's not ideal. The Feedback Sports Omnium Trainer is ubiquitous at CX events because it's portable, lightweight, quick to deploy and easy to use.
- Tire Pump: Tire pressure is key and optimal tire pressure depends on the course conditions. Keep a floor pump on hand for adjustments.
- Tool kit: Be ready for unexpected repairs by having a good tool kit with you. You don't need to carry any tools along the race, but having one at your vehicle will make life easier. The Team Edition tool kit is popular for this type of event.
- Repair Stand: Following the event, it's nice to be able to wash your bike before traveling home. Repair stands make this procedure vastly easier.
Additional Considerations
- Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining energy levels during a race. In contrast to longer events, 'cross races are short enough that you likely won't need any energy supplements. Be sure to fuel properly in advance, about 2-3 hours before the event.
- Hydration: Unless the weather is particularly hot and dry, most riders don't bother with carrying a water bottle or taking a hand up from a helper on the course. Again the events are quite short so going into the race reasonably hydrated should be sufficient to finish comfortably.
By investing in the right gear, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of cyclocross racing and enjoy the thrill of this exciting discipline.
