1st 'cross bike!

[cycling_sarah]

I just recently registered, though I’ve been lurking and reading the forum posts for awhile now. Just thought I’d say hi and share a picture of my first cyclocross bike. I got it Saturday! It’s the 2008 Cannondale X6. I still have to pick out a women’s saddle for it (the men’s one is just a little too narrow, though not too bad for short rides) and then I’ll go back to the shop to dial in the fit a bit more. There are some more pics on my blog (see link below)

Is anyone else riding a Cannondale ‘cross bike?

It's really fun to read your race reports!

:) Sarah

[mimitabby]

Hi Sarah, welcome to TE.

Nice bike! but man, that saddle looks NASTY!.

join the fun and keep pedalling!

[trigirlpink]

My Cannondale Cross came with a very similar low profile saddle too. I actually like it!

[SheFly]

I agree with trigirlpink - my 'cross saddle is VERY narrow and low profile. Remember that in 'cross, you're not actually sitting in the saddle as much as you are on a road bike. You also want to be sure that you can get behind it, off of it and onto it without any problems. Lots of women I know hoave traded their WSD saddles for ones with lower profiles for this very reason. Give that a try first, and then if you must, try a smaller WSD saddle....

And welcome, and SWEET RIDE!

SheFly

[Sheesh]

Sarah - Nice bike! I was looking at Cannondales and only got the Redline because I got a great deal on it. Welcome to the forums. Will you racing?

[cycling_sarah]

Thanks for welcoming me to TE!

I appreciate your comments on the saddle. It's good to know women are out there riding similar, low profile saddles. I am finding it almost perfect, but just need a little more width in back. I'm going to order a women's one from the same line and hopefully that will be just right.

I'd like to race sometime, but don't expect to real soon. I need *a lot* of work on technique like mounts and dismounts! Keep on posting all your great race reports to inspire me!

Sarah

[Sheesh]

Sarah - You've got to start somewhere! Don't let the mounting and dismounting discourage you from racing. I had spent one afternoon practicing before my first race, and that was it. Yes, it meant I was slow getting started after each barrier (and I ran into one barrier because I couldn't get off fast enough!), but I still had tons of fun. Try it...you might like it! :D

[cycling_sarah]

Thanks for the encouragement! I've been out practicing a lot and falling on my butt (twice!). At least I've 'picked' soft-ish ground... The rolling part is great though, especially a huge mowed field I can ride on. I'll probably be riding my road bike this weekend with my DH since his 'cross bike is back ordered into November (he can hardly stand it now that I have mine, LOL!), but next week I'm planning to practice more and work on my turns.

[cwodiva]

Great bike!

The best way to learn is to just get out and do it. Cross, unlike road racing, seems to have true beginner classes so it makes it really fun.