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advice needed
Advice needed for newbie!!!
Hi all, i race bmx and 4x in the summer months but in the winter there isnt much happening. Cross looks like the ideal winter sport for me! so here are my questions!
Firstly, i have a specialized sirrus hybrid road bike, how much would i need to adapt this to make a good cross bike or is the geometry all wrong on it? secondly, what is cross like for beginners? i wouldnt even know what would be best to wear or what to expect!! and lastly, what is there in northamptonshire? im based in Kettering but m able to get around and dont mind traveling, i travel country wide for my bmx!!! all advice and help appreciated
H
Tags: advice
Views: 73
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Parkinson on -
Hi H
You're not 'H' from Steps are you? Just wondering that's all?
Any road, I will pass the encouragement onto you that was past to me a few months ago....... just do it.
What I've experienced over the last year, in the Scotish CX and the Yorkshire Summer Series, is that these CXers seem like a friendly enough bunch. Fast.... but friendly all the same. I'm guessing they might be more serious at higher levels, national championships, etc.
I think that, so long as you are aware of your surroundings and, after the first couple of laps, once the leaders start to catch you(you might not get lapped of course, but I'm simply passing on my experiences), and listen out for "RIDER" or "ON YOUR LEFT/RIGHT", then I'm sure you'll be fine. It can be quite frantic in the twisty bits when lots of riders, of differing abilities, are all together.
As far as atire is concerned, the skin suit is the order of the day for the top boys/girls. I think being, originally, a road disapline, lydcra etc is the norm - usually with clubs/sponsers etc on. But up here at least, in Yorkshire, lots of mountain bikers compete in the local races, and baggy shirts/shorts are quite common too. The races are only short (~1hr), and not too technical, so comfort/warmth and pysical protection is not as as important as speed.
Not sure about the suitability of your hybrid but I'm sure it will be fine.... I mean.... you might not win on it but..... but it's a start if nothing else. Think mud, so some decent tyres might be needed. I doubt geometry will make that much difference in your early cx carreer??
Love
John
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Permalink Reply by Helen Nicholl on -
Haha, no John, I cant dance, or sing.....then maybe that makes me him, but no, i am a her. No camp disco here im afraid!!!
Its good to hear that from your experience most people are friendly, i've always found that at 4x/bmx events too, it must be a cycling thing!!! I think i probably will just get out and do it once the bmx season is over, i think my main concern is are carbon road forks and 700c wheels going to be strong enough! obviously they wont be used in quite the same way i'd jump my bmx etc, but they aren't exactly confidence inspiring!!! still, whats the worst that can happen eh!
You wont see me in lycra though! Although i compete on a regular basis, i am no supermodel..! glad that baggies and t shirts arent frowned upon!!
So now, i just need to find something around the northamptonshire area for me to do!!
thanks again for the reply John
H
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Permalink Reply by Lee Shunburne on -
Carbon forks and road wheels will be absolutely fine, don't worry about that. As John says, you might need to change the tyres if the ones you've got on are more road-orientated, but other than that it'll be good enough until you decide to take it more seriously (which you will!).
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Permalink Reply by John Parkinson on
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Boooo...... I thought I'd met a genuine celeb. Never mind.
Yeah as Lee says, your carbon forks and 700c wheels will be plenty strong enough. My major passions are drinking beer and eating curry, and, as a result, I'm quite a big lad - I've not buckled my wheels yet.
It might be worth ensuring you've got plenty of frame/fork clearence before fitting bigger grippier tyres. Being a hybrid I'm sure there'll be plenty, but it is probably worth considering before splashing out. You'll need the grip for the mud and short sharp steep grassy banks encountered on a cx course.
Good luck
John
Helen Nicholl said:Haha, no John, I cant dance, or sing.....then maybe that makes me him, but no, i am a her. No camp disco here im afraid!!!
Its good to hear that from your experience most people are friendly, i've always found that at 4x/bmx events too, it must be a cycling thing!!! I think i probably will just get out and do it once the bmx season is over, i think my main concern is are carbon road forks and 700c wheels going to be strong enough! obviously they wont be used in quite the same way i'd jump my bmx etc, but they aren't exactly confidence inspiring!!! still, whats the worst that can happen eh!
You wont see me in lycra though! Although i compete on a regular basis, i am no supermodel..! glad that baggies and t shirts arent frowned upon!!
So now, i just need to find something around the northamptonshire area for me to do!!
thanks again for the reply John
H
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Permalink Reply by Brian_of_Bozeat on -
Hi, sorry to but in, but if you find out anything happening around Northampton can you let me know too?
cheers,
B
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Permalink Reply by Lee Cottey on
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Hi Helen (and Brian if you're reading)
Live in Rushden myself and whilst I'm new to this site and the idea of Cyclocross have found a few things which may be of interest around Northants:
Plumz Buster - have entered for this as it's non-competitive - 25 mile or 45 mile route around east Northants - suitable for both MTB and Cyclocross bikes
http://plumzenduro.wordpress.com/
Welland Valley CC - Website says they are active in Road, Cyclocross and MTB- based Leics ,Northants in Mkt Harboro area so just down the road from you
http://www.wellandvalleycc.co.uk/
Wadenhoe Quadmire challenge series -part of the series is dualthon so whilst not Cyclocross it's in Northants and involves Off-road cycle racing/ running. A mate did it last year and said it's suitable for MTB and Cyclocross bikes and whilst there is running involved people of all ability take part, so may be giving it a go.
http://www.quadracracing.co.uk/
Not sure if any of these are things you are looking for but they might lead you on to something you're after (would be grateful if you could let me know if you do find anything else local).
If you decide to have a go at the Plumz Buster I may see you there (I'll be the one bring up the rear).
Lee
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Permalink Reply by Brian_of_Bozeat on
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Thanks Lee, I have also found that there are a few events within driving distance. Have a look here for the midlands area races, some of which take place in Kettering. (you will need to register before the search will work but its free)
http://britishcycling.org.uk/events/list?discipline=8
Lee Cottey said:Hi Helen (and Brian if you're reading)
Live in Rushden myself and whilst I'm new to this site and the idea of Cyclocross have found a few things which may be of interest around Northants:
Plumz Buster - have entered for this as it's non-competitive - 25 mile or 45 mile route around east Northants - suitable for both MTB and Cyclocross bikes
http://plumzenduro.wordpress.com/
Welland Valley CC - Website says they are active in Road, Cyclocross and MTB- based Leics ,Northants in Mkt Harboro area so just down the road from you
http://www.wellandvalleycc.co.uk/
Wadenhoe Quadmire challenge series -part of the series is dualthon so whilst not Cyclocross it's in Northants and involves Off-road cycle racing/ running. A mate did it last year and said it's suitable for MTB and Cyclocross bikes and whilst there is running involved people of all ability take part, so may be giving it a go.
http://www.quadracracing.co.uk/
Not sure if any of these are things you are looking for but they might lead you on to something you're after (would be grateful if you could let me know if you do find anything else local).
If you decide to have a go at the Plumz Buster I may see you there (I'll be the one bring up the rear).
Lee
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Permalink Reply by Brian_of_Bozeat on
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Hi folks - a quick update.
I am a member of Team MK (cycling and Triathlon club based in Milton Keynes) and I have found out that a few of the members there get involved with the Central league so I'm planning to join them in Kettering on the 9th October. I have also discovered that they have CX specific training on a Wednesday evening at the MK bowl!
Lee - I can't do the plumbuster because I have a triathlon that day, but the route looks great and I have downloaded the gps file to help me to plan future training rides. Good luck and can you let us know how you get on please? I will be looking out for future events from those guys.
B.
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Permalink Reply by Lee Cottey on
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Hi Brian, thanks for both posts - will check out the web link. Would be grateful if you could let me know how you get on with CX in Kettering and training in MK - if you go along. I mainly got back in to cycling last year to lose weight and get a bit of fitness back (being 41 things have a habit of catching up with you, especially around the waist line) so realistically I couldn't get involved in anything too serious.
Good luck with the Triathlon at the weekend and I'll let you know about the plumbuster.
Lee
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Permalink Reply by Brian_of_Bozeat on
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Lee, how did it go? - The route looked good, I have downloaded it for possible future training...
I had an Awful triathlon but lets not discuss that here.
The training last Wednesday was GREAT. I learned to mount/port/remount and lots of good (basic) offroad riding skills - I am going again tonight and I will be entering the race at Kettering on the 9th October.
For the record I am 46, and I took this lot up in 2005 for similar reasons to yourself - so keep at it, you will have some fun!
Lee Cottey said:Hi Brian, thanks for both posts - will check out the web link. Would be grateful if you could let me know how you get on with CX in Kettering and training in MK - if you go along. I mainly got back in to cycling last year to lose weight and get a bit of fitness back (being 41 things have a habit of catching up with you, especially around the waist line) so realistically I couldn't get involved in anything too serious.
Good luck with the Triathlon at the weekend and I'll let you know about the plumbuster.
Lee
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Permalink Reply by Lee Cottey on
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Brian, thanks for asking and won't ask then about the triathlon. Had a good ride - did it on my mtb as I only picked up my CX bike last Thurs and I didn't fancy trying it out whilst getting to grips with the different riding style. Route was good and would have been especially suited to a CX. Definitely give it a go, but watch out for some deep ruts that run along a couple of parts. They are deceptive in the grass and caught a few people out - it would have been great to jump off, pick the bike up and run past them all!!
Where is the race taking place in Kettering and at what time? Wouldn't mind getting along to check it out and to see a live race if I can.
Will def keep up the cycling - it's apparently the new outlet for the mid life crisis (rather than buying a sport car). Have lost 3 stone since start of the year and ideally want to loose another one to get down to my ideal fighting weight. Never know may join in a race when I get there.
Lee
Brian_of_Bozeat said:Lee, how did it go? - The route looked good, I have downloaded it for possible future training...
I had an Awful triathlon but lets not discuss that here.
The training last Wednesday was GREAT. I learned to mount/port/remount and lots of good (basic) offroad riding skills - I am going again tonight and I will be entering the race at Kettering on the 9th October.
For the record I am 46, and I took this lot up in 2005 for similar reasons to yourself - so keep at it, you will have some fun!
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Permalink Reply by Brian_of_Bozeat on
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Lee, here's a link to ALL the central cyclocross league races with postcodes etc.
I have been persueded by my team mates to enter the Novice event at Blenheim and I will see how I go before entering either the Novice (½ hour) or the "real" (1 hour) race at Kettering.
I hope to see you there? You wont be able to miss me, I'll be the moustachioed chap aboard a red Focus Mares in Team MK colours and going slower than everyone else. Please come up and say hi.
http://centralcxl.org.uk/?q=node/43
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