uh....cyclocross

[kenyonchris]

My BF, a Cat 2 roadie, is wanting to give cyclocross a try. He is a strong rider and runs marathons as well, so he runs. He thinks I would enjoy it (as I like the MTB as much as my road bike) but I am a terrible runner. I know next to nothing about cyclocross.
So, how much can I expect to invest on a cyclocross bike (obviously my road bike isn't going to work, it would start to cry) and exactly how much running am I looking at here?

[SheFly]

Totally depends on the course. FWIW - I don't run, but I race 'cross reasonably well. Most courses will only require SHORT runs, typically up hill and over barriers. Anyone can accomplish this.

My DH is also a non runner, and is competitive in the Elite and Elite Master's fields.

This past weekend, we raced on a course with one/two run-ups (I couldn't ride the second hill, but many could). The runs were pretty short. Last weekend, I raced two different courses - one with VERY little running, and one with only one running section (over the barriers). Next weekend we will be racing in RI, where there are TWO LONG beach runs. Everyone, runners and non, gets through it.

The short of it is, if you have power and good bike handling skills, running (or not running) will not be a hindrance to you.

Have fun! Cross is such a blast.

SheFly

[lo123]

I don't run (in fact, I have a bad hip that keeps me from doing it). I raced in 2 cross races this season. I've done fine. Not last is good enough for me. It's a blast. The amount of running/being off the bike will vary by course. I was 'running' (more like a goofy walk/jog) more on the last course because of a sand pit and a long 'run-up'.

I'd recommend working on cardio fitness as prep. The whole getting off the bike and running or some facsimile thereof spikes my HR. The point of puke was always just at the edge of my presence.

As for bikes... Cross bikes can be had for ~1200 MSRP. I have a specialized tricross sport somewhere in that price range. I have seen women racing on Mtn bikes though. So if you think you might like it, you could always try a race with an MTB. You'd be slow, but you'd at least get an idea of the sport.

[gnat23]

I started running when I decided to start Crossracing. But the running in the race isn't like slow-endurance running, it's more like short bursts and sprint intervals. The exception is when some sections might be faster to run than to ride, depending on your bike handling skills.

In fact, the entire race is like sprint intervals on drugs, both running and on the bike. 10 seconds on, 3 seconds off, 40 seconds on, 5 seconds off, etc. The overall-intensity is cranked up to 11 the entire time. If you can handle red-lining your heart rate for 30+ minutes, you're good to go. :D

Used/decent cross bikes will run you around $1200 from what I've seen. Mountain bikes can absolutely be used (and I have done this depending on terrain), and is a great way to try the race before making heavy investments. Be aware that you gotta carry that sucker up some steep run-ups, and you will become very aware of every pound very quickly!

-- gnat! (Go for it! It's fun! Honest!)

[kenyonchris]

OK, second question. Are cyclocross bikes fit differently? I ride a 52 inch road bike (my Colnago's effective top tube is actually 53). I am 5'4 with a 31 inch inseam, I know all bikes fit differently and the best is to try it and get LBS opinion, but just in general, am I looking at a smaller size? They seem to run small....

[Aggie_Ama]

In Texas, not much running since you can ride up the hills or at least the bulk of the Austin area ones you can. I saw some people running through sandpits but DH muscled through, he has good bike handling from mountain biking. The only thing that looked scary to me is the barracades but I am incredibly uncoordinated! DH has a Kona Jake which doubles as his commuter, it was not really expensive but it does have a triple. Redline is a really low cost option.

Cyclocross has a higher bottom bracket, I had trouble locating one for me (I ride a 47 cm though). I am not sure about any of the other geometry!

[lo123]

OK, second question. Are cyclocross bikes fit differently? I ride a 52 inch road bike (my Colnago's effective top tube is actually 53). I am 5'4 with a 31 inch inseam, I know all bikes fit differently and the best is to try it and get LBS opinion, but just in general, am I looking at a smaller size? They seem to run small....

My road and cross bike are both 54s.. I'm 5'6" with 32" inseam and really short torso/arms. My roadie is a Trek Madone 5.2 WSD, the Specialized Tricross is not WSD (I think Terry is the only company with WSD cross bikes). In hindsight, I think a smaller frame (52) would've fit me better because of the top tube, but my cross bike was my first bike. When I replace the TriCross, I plan to try a 52 to see if it's a better fit.

[gnat23]

I ride a 51cm WSD on roadbike and a 49cm men's CX bike. Curiously, the top tubes are the same, which I think is the key to getting it to fit. Test ride everything you can!

That being said, if you're not riding the bike much more than the race duration (usually an hour or less), then you don't have to be as precise about the fit as with a road bike.

-- gnat!