Cyclocross Bikes - Design and Function
Jun 23 '01 (Updated Jun 26 '01)
The Bottom Line A cyclocross bike is a mix between a road racing bike and a mountain bike. Major brands (like Specialized) manufacture top of the line models suitable for racing.
Design:
A cyclocross bike is best described as a 70/30 mix between a road racing bike and a mountain bike. Cyclocross bikes feature full sized wheels (700c) and drop handlebars like road bikes. Cyclocross bikes and mountain bikes both share the knobly tires and powerful cantilever brakes.
Cyclocross bikes are strong, light and agile. Compared to a road bike, they have a lot of frame and fork clearance for the tires. This means that mud build-up won’t affect the turning of the wheels. The gear range is not as great as a mountain bike, but is wider than a road racing bike.
Function:
Cyclocross bikes are designed for racing. In Europe, cyclocross is very popular as a winter sport for road riders. It helps improve bike handling skills, provides cross training (as there is a lot of running, climbing and bike carrying involved) and it keeps the riders very fit.
Races are held on off-road courses that are often wet, muddy or even covered in snow! Obstacles are set up on the course which force most riders to dismount and carry their bike. On some courses, skilled riders may be able to clear these obstacles without having to dismount.
Professional riders have spare bikes for races. If mud build-up becomes a problem during the race, the rider will take a spare bike from his/her team. On the last lap of a major event, it’s common to see the riders taking a spare bike to use in the sprint finish. This bike may have a different gear ratio which is more suited to an all out effort.
Cyclocross bikes are becoming more popular in countries outside Europe. Major brands (like Specialized) now make top of the line models suitable for racing.
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