Newbie...Lots of questions

**Kalidurga** · 08-23-2007, 04:23 AM

This is a link I found a year or so ago so I don't know how current or accurate all of the info about UCI rules, etc, is, but it includes some good female-oriented tips for buying a 'cross bike or putting together a getto-'crosser: Cyclocross for Smaller Riders. Check out the photo of her flying re-mount!

**Tuckervill** · 08-23-2007, 08:09 AM

hijack: What IS cyclocross exactly? What makes it different from mountain bike racing?

I'd be really surprised if there are any events in my area, but it'd be fun to find out.

ETA: Never mind. I wiki'd it.

I was right about there not being anything in my area. Apparently you need winter.

Karen

**Voodoo Sally** · 08-23-2007, 08:23 AM

I just realized that you won't be able to mount other types of brakes on your road bike. The road bike won't have the proper mounts to install V-brakes or cantilevers on the fork or the frame. Sorry.

**Kalidurga** · 08-23-2007, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Tuckervill

I was right about there not being anything in my area. Apparently you need winter.

Actually, Karen, you don't necessarily need winter. As I understand it, 'cross began as a winter sport because European cyclists were looking for a way to maintain fitness during the off-season. In the "Who's ready for 'cross season?" thread, I posted some links to articles about 'cross. If you enjoy watching or participating in cycle racing, 'cross is a very fun, kinda funky alternative to road and mtb. I've yet to see one of these races in the snow, but I'm definitely hoping to this winter

**velogirl** · 08-23-2007, 09:54 AM

you definitely don't need "winter" weather. here in CA, we rarely get rain, nevermind snow, so cross is a dry, hot, dusty sport!

I'll echo what others have said: "go for it! cross is a blast and it's a super-beginner-friendly sport!"

**SheFly** · 08-23-2007, 11:08 AM

Heck - even here in the Northeast, we didn't have winter during 'cross season last year. In fact, I remember MAYBE two muddy races all season....

Enjoy - 'cross is the most fun you can possibly have on a bike!

SheFly

**Tuckervill** · 08-23-2007, 12:35 PM

So, you don't need winter. But we don't have any events that I've found, either. I looked at the calendar on cyclocrossworld.com. Nothing even near here. Oh well. There is a crit nearby coming up in September, but I'll be in Vermont.

I would love to just go and watch some of these things. I'll try to get more plugged in.

Thanks,
Karen

**velogirl** · 08-23-2007, 01:25 PM

Karen, where are you located?

Thread: Newbie...Lots of questions

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