Cyclocross for Beginners

markens2

Been riding on the road for a few years now, not racing but a few sportives and commuting. Been looking at getting a new bike of late (bike to work is due again) and cyclocross looks like great fun.

Few questions
For in or around 1000 and 1500 what should I be buying?
Are you allowed cycle around parks and public areas?
Anywhere recommended around Maynooth/Celbridge to give it a go?

TIA

thekooman

have a look at pricespy.co.uk for Caadx tiagra or caadx 105... can't go wrong with the price. i run mine as a winter bike as well after putting a 52 36 crankset on it. not a great Bottom bracket (bb30) but still a good buy for the money.

MojoMaker

Saw the 2017 CAADX 105 for just under €900 from one of the UK stores. Gotta be worth that. No idea on delivery charges.

rodneyTrotter.

https://m.startfitness.co.uk/cannondale-2017-caadx-105-mens-cyclocross-bike-grey-c16307m60.html

Here’s a deal

Alek

Here's a better one IMO

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike

1x11 Sram gears, fully hydraulic brakes.

Jmcmen

rodneyTrotter. wrote: »

https://m.startfitness.co.uk/cannondale-2017-caadx-105-mens-cyclocross-bike-grey-c16307m60.html

Here’s a deal

Couldn't recommend enough

scott.s

I'd recommend the Vitus CX range. Bought one 2 years ago it's perfect for entry level. Sram 1x11 hydro, tubeless ready wheels and tyres, and they look nice too All that for 1100

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-bikes-energie-cyclo-x-bike-apex-1x11-2018/rp-prod159446

lizzylad84

I've a boardman cx team and find it good. Could probably be a bit more race focused but ideal for beginner cx. Ideal for winter commute too.

Rojo

Sorry to hyjack... is there anywhere in Ireland you can try out cyclocross on rentals?

markens2

Cheers for all the advice. Any advice on a focus mares 105??

I'd also love to try cyclocross before buying one. Any suggestions??

bilbot79

Just purchased this

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/EBPXXLSULT/planet-x-xls-shimano-ultegra-6800-carbon-cyclo-cross-bike

Gonna be my commuter but also looking to do a bit of off road. I have a spare set of spd sl pedals, will they be alright as most recommendations are for mtb pedals?

smacl

bilbot79 wrote: »

Gonna be my commuter but also looking to do a bit of off road. I have a spare set of spd sl pedals, will they be alright as most recommendations are for mtb pedals?

For off road, SPD pedals and cleats (as opposed to SPD SL) will allow you to walk easily in your cycling shoes. The cleats are also tougher and better at dealing with mud.

bilbot79

smacl wrote: »

For off road, SPD pedals and cleats (as opposed to SPD SL) will allow you to walk easily in your cycling shoes. The cleats are also tougher and better at dealing with mud.

I thought there would be a distinct advantage! I'll stick with the spd sls for now though because 1/ it's mainly for commuting and 2/ I have a spare set so it will save me investing.

I presume spds require different cleats aswell?

smacl

bilbot79 wrote: »

I presume spds require different cleats aswell?

Yep. Smaller, fully recessed, 2 bolt metal cleats.

Macy0161

I have spd's on my commuter, and use them with road shoes (some will take 2 bolt as well as three bolt). I can't say they're any easier in and out with that set up that spd-sl's tbh - actually had more issues even given the fact they're double sided.

My first recessed spd shoes (the specialised ones that were on the bargain alerts thread) arrived during the week but I haven't had a chance to compare but I'm assuming the recess will make clipping in and out easier with spd's.

Lumen

Macy0161 wrote: »

I have spd's on my commuter, and use them with road shoes (some will take 2 bolt as well as three bolt). I can't say they're any easier in and out with that set up that spd-sl's tbh - actually had more issues even given the fact they're double sided.

My first recessed spd shoes (the specialised ones that were on the bargain alerts thread) arrived during the week but I haven't had a chance to compare but I'm assuming the recess will make clipping in and out easier with spd's.

In my experience...

If you miss a clip in with SPDs you can fumble them in within a couple of pedal strokes.

If you miss a clip in with SPD-SLs you get smashed in the shin and risk snotting yourself on the asphalt.

This is particularly an issue in for dark wet winter commuting when taking off at pace from traffic lights.

markens2

bilbot79 wrote: »

Just purchased this

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/EBPXXLSULT/planet-x-xls-shimano-ultegra-6800-carbon-cyclo-cross-bike

Gonna be my commuter but also looking to do a bit of off road. I have a spare set of spd sl pedals, will they be alright as most recommendations are for mtb pedals?

Do they accept bike to work?

ckeego

Alek wrote: »

Here's a better one IMO

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike

1x11 Sram gears, fully hydraulic brakes.

I was lucky enough to get one of these a few weeks ago in Halfords..

Halfords aren't going to stock CX anymore, so I picked it up for less than a K with the groupscheme discount.

The groupset alone on discount on Merlin is 1100 euro, so it's a very good deal.

It also happens to be one of the most comfortable bikes I have ridden in a long, long time.

It is a tad heavy, but I've really enjoyed riding it off road-tempted to put a set of 25 or 28mm race tyres on it for a few weeks when race training starts after Christmas..

Macy0161

ckeego wrote: »

Halfords aren't going to stock CX anymore, so I picked it up for less than a K with the groupscheme discount.

Really - do you have a link to that? They still have the current Team and Comp models up at full price. The one you linked to is the 2014 end of line.

ckeego

Macy0161 wrote: »

Really - do you have a link to that? They still have the current Team and Comp models up at full price. The one you linked to is the 2014 end of line.

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike-50-53-55-5-57-5cm-frames

That's the 2016/17 model that I got.

Cracking bike..You can get 10% off with Groupscheme or Axa

There are a few 53.5 around, for sure. A 55.5 up in Sligo up until recently.

I was very lucky in that the 55.5 I got was "shopsoiled"-now, all it was was a small scratch on a chainguard sticker, and I got a further few bob off..

Macy0161

It was more the halfords aren't going to do cross bikes bit I was wondering about! Have that model lined up as missus n+1.

ckeego

Macy0161 wrote: »

It was more the halfords aren't going to do cross bikes bit I was wondering about! Have that model lined up as missus n+1.

The manager in Liffey Valley was telling me that (very surprisingly!) that the CX bikes just didn't sell and that they were no longer going to stock them..

It's a real pity as they are cracking bikes, and you should see the newest CX Elite from Boardman...Sweeeeeet:cool:

Macy0161

ckeego wrote: »

The manager in Liffey Valley was telling me that (very surprisingly!) that the CX bikes just didn't sell and that they were no longer going to stock them..

Might be that they'll be order only maybe? I was looking at the boardman TT bike earlier in the year, and none of my local stores stocked it, but click and collect in a week or so if you checked.

It's definitely a nice bike - has me trying to justify it for myself, but picked up a second hand cross bike for gravel rides with the aim of trying racing next autumn. Then I'll look at CX+1...

ckeego

Macy0161 wrote: »

Might be that they'll be order only maybe? I was looking at the boardman TT bike earlier in the year, and none of my local stores stocked it, but click and collect in a week or so if you checked.

It's definitely a nice bike - has me trying to justify it for myself, but picked up a second hand cross bike for gravel rides with the aim of trying racing next autumn. Then I'll look at CX+1...

CX+1... Now that would REALLY get me divorced 😂