Cyclo-cross...

[Willehond]

I went to one in the snow last year! Awesome to see. Hab Belgian fries and lots of mayo (even if this one was in Holland). Awesome spectacle

 

Here is Lars Boom in his Dutch national champ kit:

[Willehond]

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.

 

Wheels depend on terrain, but they only ride tubbies (mostly Dugast) due to the low pressures they run and have profiles for every type of terrain. Some guys take about 7 pairs of tyres along to a race just top be sure!

[Willehond]

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.

.....

 

No, not correct. MTB's are NOT allowed in cyclocross

[Redline]

possible dumb question but.. why don't they use mtb?

[AndreZA]

possible dumb question but.. why don't they use mtb?

 

Because that is called mountainbiking. Cyclocross started many, many, many moons ago when MTB were not even considered. They are so stuck on tradition and roots that they have only now lifted the ban on allowing disc brakes.

[Cyclocross]

possible dumb question but.. why don't they use mtb?

 

1. Cross existed long before Mtb as a means for road racers to stay busy during their wet northern winters, hence the use of road bike styled machines rather than mtb.

 

2. Mtb's just wouldn't keep up with the speed achievable by cross bikes and the terrain doesn't warrant full blown mtb which are also heavier for the constant shouldering. Watching the pros mount and dismount so fluidly puts a smile on my face similar to that which ballet and other dance does for my wife!

[Eldron]

Cyclocross rocks - I did loads of races in the UK. It is the hardest cycling sport available - 45 to 60 mins of lung busting cycling and running in mud and swill.

 

Very spectator friendly too - the kinda like criterium racing on dirt.

 

I have (to my dismay) never experienced cyclocross in Belgium. That would be aweomse!

[Flowta]

No, not correct. MTB's are NOT allowed in cyclocross

 

In the US they are allowed in the amateur races.

[Jaco-fiets]

I would not mind giving this sport a go. I like triathlon but just not the swimming part. Not much off road duathlon going on. Why not a semi off road semmi duathlon kind of thing like cyclocross. I reckon it will rock!!

[Redline]

ok, makes sense. .thanks for the info