Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

It had to be a 50% casualty rate by the end. Broken mechs everywhere.

Is there any advantage to a MTB mech on a cross bike?

Advantage http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/219689/?offset=2175#comment11757517

Couple if chaps riding SS lost their chains, too.

It really was a horror show.

Spare bike would have been useful.

When even the SS are losing their game, it must have been good.

I wished I was on a ss mtb for a bit.

I also recalled Andy's sage advice: race what you can replace.

It was the perfect storm

Another mech casualty here. My bodge to single speed to get me home didn't last long it turns out - chain was just too mangled. The train saw me right though.

Now to find a replacement mech and hanger (and chain) before they all sell out!

I scooped the worst of it off in a muddy puddle then soft-pedaled home to a date with the jet-washer. That mud sets like bloody concrete though.

That was nuts. I didn't race - got there too late and actually I was glad because I found HH terrifying the first time (only other time) I rode there, and I didn't fancy being the moving chicane yet again. So instead I watched.

So many broken bikes. My god.
So many good spirits despite all that.

Erm, and then I came 3rd overall in the women's Summer Series and went on the podium and sprayed champagne and everything and felt enormously like an imposter!

I've been blogging about my cyclocross attempts and you can read about last night's here, if you so wish: https://lambonabike.wordpress.com/2014/08/15/last-of-the-summer-series/

Although I hated it (and myself) at times, I'm really glad I gave cyclocross a go - everyone's been ridiculously kind and supportive. Special thanks to @lardboy. Hope you all get your bikes fixed.

I've just used this to get my tubeless wheels set up. It was spot on.

Thanks Howard.

#wouldrepificould
#reppedanyway

@hats - excellent write up and well done on finishing third overall.

#hitter

Noob questions. I am building a Pomp for cross attempts this winter.

Gear ratios? I have a 38t or 46t to chose from.
Tyres?
Wheel choice? I'm guess wider rims are going to be essential?

Tubs or tubeless?

38T
Iron Cross / Grail or Alphas if you need a brake track
Tubeless - I'd lean towards the tubeless ready / specific tyres. Racing Ralphs or Specialized tracers. Mich Mudii are great but the sidewalls are thin and easy to tear.

38t with a range of freewheels would be my choice. 46t would be too tall for most off road use.

Tyres - if you buy one pair then I think Michelin Muds are decent in almost all conditions.

Wheels - whatever you've got.

I'd stick with clinchers for your first year, much less faff and you learn how to ride them to their limits which should, I think, benefit you should you then choose to go tubeless or tubs.

The only wheels I\ve got with 120mm spacing, which aren't track tubs are a pair of AL30's from Planet X, but the rims are really quite narrow, I'm not sure I could actually get a pair of 32 tyres on them.

The only wheels I\ve got with 120mm spacing, which aren't track tubs are a pair of AL30's from Planet X, but the rims are really quite narrow, I'm not sure I could actually get a pair of 32 tyres on them.

I have raced on Planet-X model-b (which I think are the same rim as the AL30) using 33mm Challenge Grifo/Limus without any issues.

Latex tubes are worth using as they are more pinch puncture resistant and allow you to run lower pressues.

Chapeau, Howard!

Well done the rest of you: that's a serious amount of bike casualties for one race :-/

It's worth a try. Up until 2 or 3 years ago, all rims were narrow so most cx tyres fit onto narrow rims.

Ok good, that would make things significantly cheaper.

Cheers guys. Much appreciated.

I have raced on Planet-X model-b (which I think are the same rim as the AL30) using 33mm Challenge Grifo/Limus without any issues.
Latex tubes are worth using as they are more pinch puncture resistant and allow you to run lower pressues.

But you are immune to punctures - we have established this through exhaustive testing.

But you are immune to punctures - we have established this through exhaustive testing.

Hah! I did actually get a puncture - in the wheel/tyre combo I rode on the SDW - but not until 3 days later....

Kentish Ronde, organised by the fella who runs CYCLOCROSSRIDER.com

Looks good:

https://www.facebook.com/events/305927496262229/

Googly Eyes is back

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