Cyclocross bike: features, purpose and brand overview

The change of trends in cycling preferences is what experts already record today. If recently the most popular object was the classic mountain bike model, today, for example, cyclocross bikes are actively intervening in this leadership race. And there are many reasons for this.

Cyclocross is called a cycling cycling competition, the largest distance of which is 3.5 km. The whole race takes about an hour.

Cyclocross track always involves a complex structure, which includes dirt, and grass, and a sand embankment, and various long roots. In short, a track with a variety of natural obstacles that riders have to overcome.

The peculiarity of the track lies in the fact that the participants in the competitions are far from everywhere able to ride a bicycle. Part of the path (and significant) they have to carry transport on themselves. And sometimes this part reaches half the entire distance. A relaxation can be called the fact that if the bike of the rider is out of order, it is allowed to replace it.

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

The following features have passed to cyclocross models from MTB:

• large tire widths - without them, patency will be very poor;
• large rear stars - you can call on the ascents with a high angle;
• miniature front stars - increase bike clearance;
• disc brakes - allow highly efficient braking;
• contact pedals for a comfortable ride.

The differences of a cyclo-cycling bicycle are auxiliary brake levers, shortening of the upper frame pipe, a considerable gap between the wheels and the frame.

And the shortening of the upper tube of the frame makes the bike more controlled for the rider. In cyclocross, nevertheless, aerodynamics is not as important as the handling of a bicycle.

As a rule, the most important plus for the athlete is a bicycle its low weight. If you carry the vehicle on most of the distance, an indicator such as weight really turns out to be super important. In terms of dynamics on medium primers, a cyclo-bike is quite comparable with MTB. It perfectly cuts sand and dirt at a considerable speed; at low speed, it is able to pass even difficult obstacles.

In a sense, this is a hybrid bike, but there is a certain tendency to “calmness” in it. Nevertheless, 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 go into drifts. This can be called the minuses of cyclocross models, but other advantages level them.

A cyclocross bike will be good in the following situations:

• in sports;
• in the course of driving along a not very flat highway;
• when driving on primers with not very much dirt and sand;
• on country roads and copses.

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

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

• Highway the bike must ride on hard roads and at high speeds.
• Cyclocross chases through mud and overcomes obstacles.

The difference in tasks affects the design of models.

Cyclocross bike has the following features:

• there are more gaps in the feathers and the fork of the frame;
• the carriage is more elevated relative to the ground;
• the type of brakes is different than that of the road;
• the angle of the steering column is also different;
• the wheelbase is shorter;
• finally, its tires are wider and they are more “toothy”.

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

If you are convinced that the cyclocross bike is exactly what is required, the time has come to choose. Almost every buyer looks at the manufacturers' ratings, because brands, reputation, guarantees are, of course, important. The following companies are represented in our ranking.

• Specialized This is the case when the bike simply has no flaws.The company presents fast, dynamic, light-frame models of cyclocross bikes with a fairly aggressive geometry. The gears on the bicycles of this brand are easily switched, as the main advantage of the company is a careful selection of components.

Models look beautiful, modern, bold. But to say that this is a budget option, it is possible with a big stretch.

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

• Giant Light models are the pride of the brand. Manufacturers make carbon forks that virtually eliminate vibration.

• Cannondale CAADX. The geometry of these models is racing, so with a stretch, but you can call the brand's bikes universal. These cyclocross models can be used even in the city. Good disc brakes are 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 for everything that a modern buyer may need in their products: monitors trendy colors, thinks about the variability of luggage compartment mounting, and so on.

All of the listed manufacturers are big names for which you also have to pay. If you want to save, track the periods of promotions and discounts. And do not forget that those companies where quality service is organized are considered in the first place.

And in the "family" of cyclocross bicycles there are individuals. And if not figuratively expressed, then among these models three types can be distinguished.

• Classical. At its core, it is a sports equipment. He has the ideal driving geometry. On such models, you can usually see the carbon fork, which is installed by the manufacturer to reliably suppress vibration of the front wheel. A big plus is the plug-in axles that replace the eccentrics.
• Gravel. This is a popular and youthful bike trend of its kind, which marks the hybrids of cyclocrosses and touring bicycles. On it you can quite confidently drive off-road, but unlike the classic cyclocross, this model is more comfortable.
• Tourist. And this is a true friend for travel. The geometry of its frame is the ultimate comfort today. Such models are made of titanium or chromium molybdenum. They are considered the most plastic materials that perfectly dampen vibrations. Trunk mounts can also be on a fork.

Having dealt with a specific variety, finding out which brand is the most trusted, 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, beginners need something simpler. Confidence will come, you will remain in this sport - the level of bicycles will increase. If you can rent a vehicle, test models, do so.

In the video below you can find tips on choosing a cyclo-bike.