Cross Bike Restrictions??

Caller

I'm quite fancy giving cyclocross a try this winter but can't really justify buying a 'cross bike just to try out when I've already got a garage full of MTB's.

One of my current bikes is a steel framed rigid singlespeed 29er. If I were to fit my 29x2.0 mud tyres to the bike along with some drop bars and cable disc brakes, would there be anything stopping me from entering some of the local cross races at Hillingdon?

Obviously I would be racing in whatever novice category they have and wouldn't be bothering the riders at the sharp end!

maryka

You can ride a MTB in all its glory at many local small-time events (London League for example). Just not at National Trophy races and higher level stuff.

Caller

maryka wrote:

You can ride a MTB in all its glory at many local small-time events (London League for example). Just not at National Trophy races and higher level stuff.

Great, thanks for that.

I somehow think I won't be anywhere near National Trophy races!

16mm

Fit some cross tyres and a bigger gear:-)
There is often only one race, so the riders at the sharp end may start overtaking you after a while. Try to get them the fast line when they're coming past:-)

Caller

16mm wrote:

Fit some cross tyres and a bigger gear:-)
There is often only one race, so the riders at the sharp end may start overtaking you after a while. Try to get them the fast line when they're coming past:-)

I'll definitely be changing the gearing, the current 32/18 won't get me much above 15mph on the flat

16mm

Caller wrote:

16mm wrote:

Fit some cross tyres and a bigger gear:-)
There is often only one race, so the riders at the sharp end may start overtaking you after a while. Try to get them the fast line when they're coming past:-)

I'll definitely be changing the gearing, the current 32/18 won't get me much above 15mph on the flat

Cross race courses are designed for cross bikes. You'll not need mtb tyres.

simon_e

MTBs are usually fine but the organisers may have a website with rules, entry procedure etc. and you may be able to enter online (this is one less headache for organisers).

16mm wrote:

Cross race courses are designed for cross bikes. You'll not need mtb tyres.

Sometimes 'cross races can be a mudfest and you might be better off with a MTB and knobbly tyres!


This as the WMCCL round at Sundorne, Nov 2009. A friend rode/pushed/carried his new Genesis Day One Cross, which was somewhat overgeared and after an hour of racing it was totally clogged with mud and grass, even on a relatively flat course.

However, if it's dry some lightweight Ralphs or other low profile racing tyre will be quicker. My club ran some evening events one summer and even in the dry, dusty conditions the MTBs still gave the 'cross bikes a good run for their money, particularly in the woods and the tight stuff.

As for gearing, this thread of interest.