Cyclocross races combine road racing and mountain biking, utilizing paved surfaces, dirt and sand for an hour-long race around a 2.5-km to 3.5-km course. A typical cyclocross course includes sections of both uphill and downhill riding, turns on a sloped path and up to four sets of barriers over which riders must carry their bikes. Cyclocross races do not get canceled due to weather, so riders must be prepared for rain, mud or even snow.
History
Daniel Gousseau, a French soldier in the early 1900s, gets credit for creating the sport of cyclocross. Gousseau kept fit during the winter by cycling across the fields of France, which involved navigating over rough terrain, fences and other obstacles. The French Army soon incorporated the training regimen for its troops, and individual cyclists quickly picked up the sport as well. In 1902 France held the first National Cyclocross Championships, with Belgium following suit eight years later. As the popularity of cyclocross increased, a bike specifically designed for the sport evolved.
Function
Fundamentally very little differs between a road bike and a cyclocross bike. Because the rider needs to dismount and carry the bike during a race, a cyclocross bike must be lightweight and fit comfortably on the shoulder. A high bottom bracket increases terrain clearance, but a bracket that is too high impedes mounting and dismounting. Steering and maneuverability benefit from more rake, or acute angle, to the fork, which pushes the front wheel a little farther forward than on a road bike and provides additional stability.
Frame Materials
Aluminum frames combine a light weight with stiffness, making them a good choice for bigger riders who need more support. Steel frames provide flex for a more comfortable ride but are heavy, although a niche exists for handmade steel bikes. Most high-end race bikes use frames made of carbon fiber, the lightest and stiffest material. Carbon fiber inherently absorbs vibrations, leading to a comfortable ride. Titanium frames blend the light weight of aluminum with the flexibility of steel but come with a higher price tag.
Components
Cyclocross bikes use cantilever brakes, which have greater stopping power than road brakes. A wider space between the wheel and the brake allows more mud to pass through. Dual-sided mountain bike pedals save time when remounting the bike and are designed to shed mud, snow and ice. Smaller chain rings and a larger cassette create bigger gears, which improves off-road riding.
Tires
A key feature of a cyclocross bike, knobby tires improved traction on unpaved surfaces and dig into dirt and mud. Casual riders may choose clincher tires, while racers often prefer tubular tires. Tubular tires offer a more flexible ride than clincher tires and can run at lower pressures without risk of pinch flats, which is helpful because repairing a flat tubular tire can be time and labor intensive. Running tires at a lower pressure also improves traction over rough terrain.
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