Cyclocross Bikes Buying Guide

Everyone rides bicycles  for different reasons. If you ride cyclocross bikes,  then you are interested in the competitive level of biking. Cyclocross bikes are similar to road bikes except they are built to withstand much more due to the intense trails they go over. And because of the rough elements associated with cyclocross biking, it is very important to understand what factors to consider when buying one. 

Frame Design

• Higher bottom brackets on the bike frame allow the pedals to have better clearance.
• Frames are thicker and stronger in order to withstand rough and fast roads. The ideal frame material is aluminum or carbon fiber. 
• The triangle of the frame is clean and wide. Without extra tubing, there is less interference when carrying the bike.
• Forks, like the rest of the frame, are also very rigid.

Tires

• Tires must have a lot of grip in order to go through and clear mud. However, avoid tires thicker than 1.5" because fat tires have trouble making a clean cut through mud.
• The standard wheel in cyclocross is the 700c road wheel.  It is important for the wheel to be strong and durable, but it is also essential for the wheel to have a good weight so that it can last longer in harsh winter conditions. 

Pedals

• Pedals often will be covered in mud, which in turn slows down clipping when riding. In order to avoid such mishaps, double sided SPD pedals  are preferred. A good example of pedals made for muddy conditions are Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals.  

Brakes and Gears

• Cyclocross biking involves a great variety of terrains and steep inclines. Flexibility can be had with double chainrings with 39 to 48 teeth.
• General derailleurs  and shifters  can be used because there isn't a cyclocross specific division for transmission gears.
• High quality cyclocross bicycles come with disc brakes.  Disc brakes are effective in muddy conditions because they prevent clogging and use hydraulic systems instead of cable operated brakes to simplify the bike frame.

Rules

In order to compete in cyclocross races, there are specific adjustments that all bikes must adhere to. 

• Handlebars must not be more than 50 cm.
• Tires must not be thicker than 35 mm.
• Wheels must have at least 12 spokes.
• Bikes must not weigh less than 15 lbs.
• Disc brakes are forbidden.

Major Manufacturers

• Alan Products 
• Bianchi USA 
• Brodie 
• Cannondale 
• Dean Ultimate Bicycles 
• Fuji 
• Guerciotti 
• Jamis 
• Kelly Bikes 
• Kona 
• Scott Addict 
• Ridley 

Quick Picks

Bianchi Axis Lx/Tiagra Cyclocross  Bianchi D2 Cyclocross Alu 7005 Hydroforming Frame. Bianchi FC7 Fork- Carbon/Alu 1-1/8”. Shimano TIAGRA Shift/Brake Levers. Shimano LX rear, Shimano TIAGRA front derailleurs. Prowheel OUNCE-620C Compact Crankset 50/36. Deda Elementi BIG PIEGA Alloy handlebar. WTB ROCKET V Comp OE saddle. Avid SHORTY 4 cantilever brakes.	Scott Addict CX RC  Ritchey WCS straight CX carbon fork. TH No 9 CXcartr. BearingDerailleur (Rear). Sram RedCarbon Ceramic Derailleur (Front). Sram Red Carbon Shifters. Brake LeversSram Red double tap 10 speed. Ritchey Carbon 38 WCS20 Front / 24 RearTires.	Ridley Excalibur  Full carbon frame. Easton EA30 Seatpost. Easton EA50 SL Wheelset. Easton EA70 Stem, 6/84, 100mm. Easton EA30 Handlebar, 42cm. Michelin Pro3 Tires, White/Black	Specialized Tricross Comp Double  Specialized E5, fully manipulated Columbus E5 SLX tubing. Semi-compact Freeroad design. FACT carbon seatstays with Zertz inserts.	Kona Jake the Snake  Butted Race Light 7005 aluminum frame. Kona Carbon Cross fork. FSA Gossamer MegaExo compact crankset. Shimano 105 derailleurs and shifters. Kore Race cantilever brakes.

Related Guides

Fixed Gear Bicycles	Bike Pedals	Bike Shifters	Heart Rate Monitors	Bike Racks

External Links

• Bicycling.com: Cyclocross bike reviews. 
• BikeMagic.com: A cyclocross guide.
• CXMagazine.com: UCI cyclocross racing regulations.