Get into Cyclo Cross

Cooler weather and the threat of winter doesn't mean you have to put away your bike. Cyclo cross bikes are not just for cyclocross racing - though if you fancy  a 60 minute muddy blast that will keep you fit over winter and sharpen your skills give racing a go.

Cyclo cross bikes are hard enough to handle the rough stuff for off-road exploring and tough enough to take the rain and grime of British weather. 'Cross bikes are the kings of versatility, most feature lugs for attaching mudguards and most can even carry panniers. While the large 700c wheels allow you to cover a great amount of ground, accelerate quickly as well as handle both tarmac and the loose ground..

You name it they can do it - shopping trips, byway bashing, winter training even an audaxe. It's a great second bike, ideal for all those occassions when your number one bike is too treasured.

Choose your machine

Here are four cyclocross bikes that will not only laugh in the face of poor weather but unlock traffic-free trails for rough stuff commutes and off-road adventures.

Perfect as a first race bike. Popular, solid 'crosser with urban and touring crossover potential.	Improved geometry make for easier dismounts, a lightweight carbon fork and cross specific wheelset. Tough cyclocross bike for both intermediate and expert riders
Lightweight crosser with carbon fork make this bike a do-it-all cyclo-cross bike perfect for a race or just a fun ride	A competent 'cross bike first, but is capable of playing other roles very convincingly

From entry level, cross single speeds and race ready ultra machines we've a great range of cross bikes for all your needs
Click here to view the full cyclo cross bike range

Cross Purpose

There are lots of advantages that come with seeking out the gloop. Come spring your mud-plugging will have made you a better rider


Gear Selection
If you choose the wrong gear out on a road bike you'll drop your speed a bit maybe waste a bit of energy, get it wrong off-raod and you'll likely to end up loosing momentum and walking up a short climb. Off-road riding teaches you to plan your shifts on your approach and develop a smooth efficient pedalling technique

Bike Handling
If you can corner on mud or gravel with a skinny tyre then nothing will give you fear. An off road climb will teach you how to position your body correctly, great skills to transfer to riding a wet climb on a road bike in the spring.  Equally, learning how to unweight the front wheel or mastering the bunny hop to negioate lumps and bumps will mean you'll never have to swerve around a pot hole again.

Cyclo cross is know for its need to mount and dismount in certain sections. When a short climb is too steep or you have to jump over an object. It can become second nature to hop off, sling the bike over yout shoulder, scamber around the obstruction and remount without losing momentum.

Go on the explore
Hardcore cross racing isn't everyones cup of tea, minor road, tracks and bridleways can open up a world you'd never go down on a commuter or road bike. It's not unusual to find a great peice of quiet road that you revisit in the summer when conditions are better. If it get's tough to ride don't get frustrated - practising mounts and dismounts and a bit of running is always good for fitness. 

Kitted out

Helmet A helmet is essential on or off road. Even though mud is soft there are often tree stumps and rocky sections you may ride across	Waterproof jacket Whatever the conditions a lightweight waterproof jacket  can easily be stored in a rucksack or back pocket. In the hills the bad weather can develop quickly
Mountain bike shoes The shoes feature a recessed cleat what won't get clogged and solid sole with a tread pattern for the times when you may have to get off and run	Mountain bike pedals Off-road pedals are dual sided so you can get your foot in quickly and efficiently after a dismount. MTB pedals are smaller than road pedals to avoid catching on undergrowth or obstacles; a good mountain bike pedal is designed to shed mud and debris quickly
Spares A power-link, spare brake pads and a rear mech hanger should be added to the usual spares you carry. Tree roots can knock your hanger out of line and affect your gears	Mobile bike washer Decided to go on a riding trip? Clean your bike before putting it back in your car, or for cleaning your bike at home if you don't have easy access to a water supply
Bike GPS Don't get lost and easily plan your off-road ride. Follow any complicated trail or road ride with relative ease, or track your ride when you discover that new route	Full Finger gloves Full finger gloves are great for providing protection to the hands whilst still adding comfort when cycling

Race Ready

Cyclocross events are some of the most social of the racing calendar and present the ideal opportunity to retain fitness in the off season if you can't face being a slave to the turbo trainer. Mountain bikes are equally welcome at most events, cross specific machines are lighter and have the competitive edge.

You'll learn alot about race tactics. It'll teach you the importance of sprinting out of corners to maintain contact with the rider ahead, how to judge when and where to attack based on the terrain and sensing other riders around you.

There are a number of local cross leagues in each region. Each course varies, there are sometimes steps to run up, short sand sections, sections on tarmac, grass and twisting single track plus a low hurdle or two to jump over.

Cross races welcome all abilities of riders and categories from seniors, women, juniors and vetrans. Each race is up to 60 minutes and riders usually all start together. Prizes are awarded to the winner of each category.

Even Lance Armstrong the Tour de France legend tried his hand at cyclo cross racing just after he announced his come back

For more information about the races in your region visit the British Cycling website

Cross is a great spectator sport see how the pro's do it and head to one of the races in the  National Series Trophy

If you want to delve deeper in to the world of cross racing check out London Cycle Sport's guide