Cyclocross bike: features, purpose and brand overview

The changing trends in cycling preferences is what experts are already recording today. If recently the classic mountain bike model was the most demanded object, then today, for example, cyclocross bicycles are actively interfering in this leadership race. There are many reasons for this.

Cyclocross refers to a circular cycling sport, the longest distance of which is 3.5 km. The entire race takes about an hour.

A cyclo-cross track always presupposes a complex structure, which includes mud, grass, sand mound, and various long roots. In a word, a track with a variety of natural obstacles that racers have to overcome.

The peculiarity of the track is that the participants of the competition cannot ride a bicycle everywhere. Part of the way (and a significant one) they have to carry the transport on themselves. And sometimes this part reaches half of the entire distance. An indulgence can be called the fact that if a rider's bike is out of order, it is allowed to replace it.

If you briefly describe the cyclocross (or, as it is also called, cyclocross) bike, it will be a cross between the road version and MTB (mountain bike). The transport is as similar as possible to road models, but significant differences help it to drive on a real off-road. The design engineers took into account all the features of the cyclocross track and created an option that can help the rider go the distance.I had to take a lot from MTB representatives.

The following features have been transferred to cyclocross models from MTB:

• large tire width - without them, the permeability will be completely poor;
• large rear sprockets - you can drive up hills with a high angle;
• miniature chainrings - increase the bike's ground clearance;
• disc brakes - allow highly effective braking;
• clip-on pedals for a comfortable ride.

What makes a cyclocross bike different is auxiliary brake levers, shortening of the upper frame tube, a considerable gap between the wheels and the frame.

And the shortening of the top tube of the frame makes the bike more controllable for the rider. In cyclocross, however, aerodynamics are not as important as the handling of the bike.

As a rule, the most important advantage of a bicycle for an athlete will be its light weight. If you carry transport on yourself for most of the distance, such an indicator as weight really turns out to be extremely important. In terms of dynamics on medium dirt roads, a cyclocross bike is quite comparable to an MTB. It perfectly cuts through sand and dirt at a considerable speed, at low speed it is able to pass even difficult obstacles.

This is a hybrid bike in a way, but there is a certain tendency towards "calmness" in it. Still, roads with stones and serious irregularities are not his route. On the highway, this transport will not show high dynamics; at high speeds, it can drift. This can be called the disadvantages of cyclocross models, but other advantages negate them.

A cyclocross bike will do well in the following situations:

• in sports;
• while driving on an uneven highway;
• when driving on primers with not very much dirt and sand;
• on country roads and trails with copses.

Cyclocross transport is completely unsuitable for city streets, and even more so for highways. In fact, such bikes are acquired by people who are seriously interested in cyclocross. This sporty look has a lot of fans in Belgium, Italy, Czech Republic, Holland, States, France. A bicycle is always purchased for a specific specialization: highway, triathlon, mountain bike, bicycle trial, finally, cyclocross - everything requires its own transport... There is simply no universal bike, otherwise everyone would turn to it.

At first glance, there are no differences: the curved steering wheel for different grips, similar frames and transmission elements are striking. But if you look closely, the differences are more than noticeable. And they lie in the very purpose of the transport.

• Highway the bike must be ridden on hard roads and at high speeds.
• Cyclocross rides through the mud and overcomes obstacles.

The difference in tasks also affects the design of the models.

The cyclocross bike has the following features:

• there are more gaps in the feathers and the fork of the frame;
• the carriage is raised more from the ground;
• the type of brakes is different from that of a road bike;
• the angle of inclination of the steering column is also different;
• the wheelbase is shorter;
• finally, its tires are wider and more "toothy".

And he also has the brake and transmission cables inside the frame, as they need to be protected from dirt on the track. Therefore, the comparison of models is always a little incorrect: they serve different purposes, choosing which bike is better is like comparing warm versus soft.

If you are convinced that the cyclocross bike is exactly what you need, now is the time to choose. Almost every buyer looks at the manufacturer's rating, since brands, reputation, guarantees are certainly important. The following companies are represented in our rating.

• Specialized. The very case when the bike simply has no flaws. The company introduces fast, dynamic, lightweight cyclocross bike models with a fairly aggressive geometry. Gears on bicycles of this brand can be switched easily, since the main advantage of the company is the careful selection of components.

The models look beautiful, modern and bold. But it would be a stretch to say that this is a budget option.

• Trek. They say that bikes of this brand can be ridden both on a dirt road and on a highway. There is no absolutely universal transport, but the products of this brand are really good.

• Giant. Lightweight models are the pride of the brand. Manufacturers make carbon forks that actually remove vibration.

• Cannondale CAADX. The geometry of these models is racing, so it's a stretch, but the brand's bicycles can be called universal. These cyclocross models can be used even within the city. Good disc brakes are all about self-confidence. If even knowing that road, MTB, cyclocross bikes are models for different needs, you are still looking for something in between, pay attention to the products of this brand.

• Surly. It is a brand that also relies on reliability and quality. The company provides in the products everything that a modern buyer may need: keeps track of fashionable colors, thinks over the variability of the trunk fastening, and so on.

All of the listed manufacturers are big names that also need to be paid for. If you want to save money, keep track of the periods of promotions and discounts. And do not forget that those companies where the quality service is organized are considered first of all.

And the cyclocross bike “family” has its own individuals. And if you do not express yourself figuratively, then among these models three types can be distinguished.

• Classical. At its core, it is a sports equipment. It has perfect geometry for driving. On these models, you can usually see a carbon fork, which is installed by the manufacturer to reliably dampen vibration from the front wheel. A big plus is the plug-in axles that replace the eccentrics.
• Gravel. It is a popular and youthful bike destination that marks cyclocross and touring bike hybrids. On it you can quite confidently drive off-road, but unlike the classic cyclocross, this model is more comfortable.
• Tourist. And this is already a loyal friend for travel. Its frame geometry is the ultimate in comfort today. Such models are made from titanium or chrome-molybdenum. They are considered the most ductile materials with excellent vibration damping properties. Trunk mounts can also be on the fork.

Having dealt with a specific variety, having found out which brand is more credible, it remains only to assess the financial range of the purchase. If you are a confident participant in cyclocross competitions, the amount will be arbitrarily high, but beginners need something simpler. Confidence will come, you will stay in this sport - the level of bicycles will increase. If it is possible to rent a vehicle, test the models, do so.

Check out the video below for tips on choosing a cyclocross bike.