getoutthere
cyclocross
101
buying a cyclocross bike
the history
on a road bike, to accommodate a more upright
Craig Fagan of Toronto’s Midweek Cycling Club
With roots in early 20th century Europe, cyclo-
riding position. Disc brakes are not allowed in cy-
gives us some hints on what to look for before
cross was originally conceived as a winter training
clocross and cantilever brakes provide clearance for
jumping into a cyclocross bike purchase.
activity for road cyclists. Today, cyclocross is one of
mud and debris.
Canada’s fastest growing sports and boasts its own
Helmets are mandatory and mountain biking
1 Before you buy, go to a race and see what
loyal following of riders from a variety of cycling
shoes are recommended as they provide additional
others are riding.
backgrounds and disciplines. “The sport is growing
traction when off the bike.
2 Ask riders why they ride the bikes they
by leaps and bounds,” says Cam McKnight, sport
coordinator for the Alberta Bicycling Association
getting involved
do and where they made their purchase. Not
all bike stores are as ‘cross familiar as they
(www.albertabicycle.ab.ca). He expects well over
If you can ride a bike you can cyclocross. “It’s very
could be.
100 participants at this month’s provincial cham-
much like being a kid on a bike again,” says Craig
pionships in Calgary. Last month over 200 racers,
Fagan of Ontario’s Midweek Cycling Club (www.
3 Remember! Disc brakes are not allowed.
including many of North America’s top riders,
midweekclub.ca), which organizes cyclocross races
4 In your first year spend as little as possible.
particpated in Toronto’s UCI C1 and C2 races as part
and training clinics. In some races novice riders are
Buy entry level, buy used.
of the 2009 GNC Toronto International Cyclo-Cross.
permitted to ride a standard mountain or road bike
the basics
to promote participation. Fagan encourages riders
5 Since your first seasons are more about
Cyclocross races typically involve circuits of a short-
to join up with a local club or clinic. “Give yourself
technique, strength, skill, comfort and con-
looped course over varied terrain (hills, grass, snow,
time to succeed. This discipline is technique based,
fidence than what you are riding, don’t be
mud, trails, and pavement). Riders have to navigate
which takes time to master. Don’t worry about
overly equipment concerned. After you know
azier
obstacles, which may require the rider to dismount
where you place; everyone who places higher in
what you want, that’s when to spend.
t Br
and carry his or her bike over sections of the
the finish order has been where you are.” 6 Don’t forget, your first bike isn’t wasted; it
t
o: Jane
course. In Canada, cross season runs from Septem-
becomes your spare bike in the pit.
ber through January, so racers also have to contend
for spectators
ar pho
with changeable weather conditions. A typical race
“Cyclocross is a very spectator friendly due to the
s ; sideb
lasts between 40 minutes and 1 hour and racers
short lap distances,” says McKnight. Spectators can
attempt to complete as many laps as possible in the
expect to get caught up in the action course-side
an Image
allotted time.
and can expect to see lots of spills, fast mounts and
dismounts and plenty of mud-spattered racers with
the gear
ear to ear grins!
r
anchi/Urb
Cyclocross bikes are similar to road bikes but have
tin F
distinct characteristics specially suited to this style
races
t
o: Mar
of racing: knobby tires, a lightweight frame for ease
Turn to our calendar in the back of this issue for a
of carrying and handlebars positioned higher than
look at upcoming cyclocross races in your area.
main pho
16 GOT november/december 2009
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