Cyclo-cross...

['Dale]

Any cyclo-crossing in South Africa?

Haven't seen or read about anything evva.

 

It's like a combo between technical off-road skills whilst using a road bike.

This dude is the leader of the pack - World Champ successively.

 

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com//2010/10/17/2/171010ispa_2356_600.jpg

Edited October 18, 2010 by AirBender

['Dale]

They run up steps...

 

 

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com//2010/10/17/2/171010ispa_2121_150.jpg

['Dale]

What shoes would they wear as they have to run, jump as well...

Fascinating.

Edited October 18, 2010 by AirBender

[EigerSA]

They use mtb shoes and it's really big overseas, I can't remember the name but one of the big riders of Tour De France was last years European cyclocross champion. A lot of the overseas mtb and road riders seem to use cyclocross as their off-season training. It's also more spectator friendly since they race laps. Basically 45 minutes of flat out racing done in the worst conditions with road frames and mtb tires, sounds fantastic. I was told that there are four cyclocross races in Pietermaritzburg during the year.

[stewie911]

Haven't got cyclocross in SA, yet.

 

There is actually a website, for when the sport takes off. I would love to own a cyclocross bike. Apart from some cool riding, it would make the best commuter bike.

[Disylizzy]

Here's a link to a series in my neck of the woods. Check out the media section for a short clip on the race recaps from last year. Lots of fun to watch, even more fun to do it!

 

http://chicrosscup.com/

[EigerSA]

A lot of racers also use mtb bikes, the only issue being when you have to jump off the bike to run up a hill or jump over a section it's easier to shoulder a cyclocross bike than a mtb.

 

I agree with the commuting part, I would love a cyclocross bike for the work ride, seriously considering adding road shifters and skinny tires to an old silverback frame

[Cyclocross]

Did someone call?

 

Don't forget CrossVegas as a highlight on the annual calender!

 

In Europe, cross goes with beer, especially in Belguim,..oh and lots of mud.

 

Disc brakes have just been approved for use so expect lots of new gear.

[rudi-h]

I reckon cyclocross is only big in europe, cause the weather is so SH!TT! in winter that they can't host proper MTB (or road) races, thus having to resort to short lap-races that they can snow-plow and clean. Never done it though, but despite all the reading I've done on cyclingnews about cyclocross it never got my heart racing...

[rock]

ja, not much of a 'movement' here, I have a GT CX bike, best bike I've ever owned....nothing better than going for a road ride and then cutting cross a field or bunny hopping up a pavement a riding the verge etc........would love to give a 'race' a go.....

[stewie911]

Rock, what kind of wheels do you have?

 

Can one use normal road wheels?

['Dale]

They use mtb shoes and it's really big overseas, I can't remember the name but one of the big riders of Tour De France was last years European cyclocross champion. A lot of the overseas mtb and road riders seem to use cyclocross as their off-season training. It's also more spectator friendly since they race laps. Basically 45 minutes of flat out racing done in the worst conditions with road frames and mtb tires, sounds fantastic. I was told that there are four cyclocross races in Pietermaritzburg during the year.

Could be Lars Boom? His roots is in CC.

['Dale]

ja, not much of a 'movement' here, I have a GT CX bike, best bike I've ever owned....nothing better than going for a road ride and then cutting cross a field or bunny hopping up a pavement a riding the verge etc........would love to give a 'race' a go.....

rock,

 

Are these CX bikes for sale in SA?

[ridesleeprepeat]

Schwinn and GT had mid level offerings 2 years ago.

[Willehond]

Could be Lars Boom? His roots is in CC.

 

Yes, but not European Champion, but World Champion! Then again, seeing that only Europe (and the US a bit) take part...

[Flowta]

Yes, there are(were) some cyclo-cross bikes available in SA. My dad got one when Scott changed distributors.

 

Damn nice bike, rode it on all the singletrack at Jonkershoek before the fires (Neverending Story. etc.)

 

Uses ordinary road wheels, some guys in europe and US use carbon deepsections for better mud shedding.