Featured Discussions - Cyclocross Magazine2024-03-19T05:06:31Zhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum/topic/list?feed=yes&xn_auth=no&featured=1About groupset in my first CX bike.tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-12-16:1198434:Topic:1618522014-12-16T00:06:11.386ZJairo Eduardo Suarez Gallardohttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/JairoEduardoSuarezGallardo
Hi there. I usually do CrossCountry in my Mtb and a lot of urban cycling (i like alleycats), and I am building my first CX bike (moderate budget) and I have some questions about the groupset...<br />
I am buying the parts from diferent sellers (ebay), for now I have:<br />
- Gallardo Kong frame (bamboo frame)<br />
- Avid BB7 disk brakes.<br />
- Picasia carbon fork (good price)<br />
- shimano 105 FD 5700<br />
- shimano 105 shifters 5700 (2x10)<br />
<br />
I am going to buy:<br />
- shimano slx or xt 9 speed rear derailleur<br />
- shimano 12-30…
Hi there. I usually do CrossCountry in my Mtb and a lot of urban cycling (i like alleycats), and I am building my first CX bike (moderate budget) and I have some questions about the groupset...<br />
I am buying the parts from diferent sellers (ebay), for now I have:<br />
- Gallardo Kong frame (bamboo frame)<br />
- Avid BB7 disk brakes.<br />
- Picasia carbon fork (good price)<br />
- shimano 105 FD 5700<br />
- shimano 105 shifters 5700 (2x10)<br />
<br />
I am going to buy:<br />
- shimano slx or xt 9 speed rear derailleur<br />
- shimano 12-30 (road) or 11-32 (mtb) cassette<br />
<br />
So.... I do not know what crankset to buy.... Maybe a shimano 105 50-34... Or should I go with a more specific cranckset for CX?<br />
Should I buy a rear derailleur like a 105 or tiagra short cage and a 11-28 cassette?<br />
<br />
I am totally new to CX and here in Bogotá it is a new sport... Very rare....<br />
<br />
Thanks for your opinion! Links to the weekend's live CX feeds in US and Europetag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-10-11:1198434:Topic:1585912014-10-11T15:45:06.579ZErik_Ahttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/ErikAnnis
<p>Please comment to add inks to the weekend's live CX feeds in US and Europe</p>
<p>such as:<br/><a href="http://www.cyclingfans.com">http://www.cyclingfans.com</a></p>
<p>As well as links to footage posted after the races by YouTube users and on sites like:<br/><a href="http://www.behindthebarriers.tv">http://www.behindthebarriers.tv</a></p>
<p>Maybe we can keep a running list.</p>
<p>Please comment to add inks to the weekend's live CX feeds in US and Europe</p>
<p>such as:<br/><a href="http://www.cyclingfans.com">http://www.cyclingfans.com</a></p>
<p>As well as links to footage posted after the races by YouTube users and on sites like:<br/><a href="http://www.behindthebarriers.tv">http://www.behindthebarriers.tv</a></p>
<p>Maybe we can keep a running list.</p> Single narrow / wide chainrings - performance in the mud for CXtag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-09-12:1198434:Topic:1569722014-09-12T14:57:04.720ZErik_Ahttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/ErikAnnis
<p>What is everyone's thoughts on using single narrow / wide chainrings in muddy CX race conditions (vs. a standard single chainring with bashguard)? I like the idea of narrow / wide chainrings in dry conditions, because it is much harder to drop a chain (if you bang the rear wheel on a barrier or the ground). Interbike is showing a bunch of upcoming design changes to single narrow / wide chainrings that will help with the problem of the chain being clogged with mud (but they are not out…</p>
<p>What is everyone's thoughts on using single narrow / wide chainrings in muddy CX race conditions (vs. a standard single chainring with bashguard)? I like the idea of narrow / wide chainrings in dry conditions, because it is much harder to drop a chain (if you bang the rear wheel on a barrier or the ground). Interbike is showing a bunch of upcoming design changes to single narrow / wide chainrings that will help with the problem of the chain being clogged with mud (but they are not out yet).</p>
<p>i.e. from Wolf Tooth's website: <a href="http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/collections/chainrings/products/110-bcd-cyclocross-chainrings">http://www.wolftoothcycling.com/collections/chainrings/products/110-bcd-cyclocross-chainrings</a></p>
<p><em>"Note on mud: wide/narrow chainrings do no work well in heavy mud (Wolf Tooth or any other brand) if you plan to ride in very muddy conditions, we recommend a chainguide or chainkeeper and clutch-type rear derailleur! Without these precautions, you may experience chaindrops and/or chainsuck."</em></p> Recommend me Tubeless vs. Tubulars for next yeartag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2014-01-23:1198434:Topic:1522632014-01-23T18:12:59.667ZMarc Jhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/MarcJoanisse
<p>Hi folks</p>
<p>It's time to upgrade from clinchers, so <span style="font-size: 13px;">I'm looking for recommendations for tubeless or tubular wheelsets. I'm getting a lot of peer pressure from friends to go with tubeless but I also see those same people having beads popping off during races, and needing to do lots of "experimentation"</span><span style="font-size: 13px;">. I just want wheels that work right the first time. Here are the parameters:…</span></p>
<p>Hi folks</p>
<p>It's time to upgrade from clinchers, so <span style="font-size: 13px;">I'm looking for recommendations for tubeless or tubular wheelsets. I'm getting a lot of peer pressure from friends to go with tubeless but I also see those same people having beads popping off during races, and needing to do lots of "experimentation"</span><span style="font-size: 13px;">. I just want wheels that work right the first time. Here are the parameters:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 13px;">cost: $500 (without tires)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 13px;">rim brakes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 13px;">rider weightL 165 lbs on the high side. Will use it for cross racing, but still training on my clinchers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 13px;">I don't want to do a </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">tubeless conversion unless I can be convinced it will "just work" the first time, in keeping with my cross racing philosophy of always keeping it simple.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Opinions? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p></p> Tips for first race in snowtag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2013-12-11:1198434:Topic:1509132013-12-11T21:23:18.067ZNick DiGangihttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/NicholasDiGangi
<p>Racing Beaver cross in CT on sunday. Forecast for this weekend is calling for snow (5" sat night, then 1" sunday morning around start time)</p>
<p>Any one have any tips for racing/riding (other than tire pressure) in snow? What is the best way to tackle the snow, high cadence or keeping the power down?</p>
<p>Racing Beaver cross in CT on sunday. Forecast for this weekend is calling for snow (5" sat night, then 1" sunday morning around start time)</p>
<p>Any one have any tips for racing/riding (other than tire pressure) in snow? What is the best way to tackle the snow, high cadence or keeping the power down?</p> Welcome.. Thanks for joining our site for ‘cross fanatics!tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-12-20:1198434:Topic:788982010-12-20T18:51:14.153ZJohttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/KristinJoMarkham
<p>There’s a lot to explore on the Cowbell forum, so here’s a few suggestions to get you started!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Become friends with <a href="http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/cxm?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_self">CXM</a>.</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Personalize your “My Page”, post photos, or change your settings</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"> </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Subscribe to the RSS…</p>
<p>There’s a lot to explore on the Cowbell forum, so here’s a few suggestions to get you started!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Become friends with <a href="http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/cxm?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_self">CXM</a>.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"> </p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Personalize your “My Page”, post photos, or change your settings</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Subscribe to the RSS feed to keep you abreast of what’s going on</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Comment in a <a href="http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/forum" target="_self">forum thread</a> or start your own</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Visit our “Classified” section on our forum for good deals or to sell your unwanted gear</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Post a story or race report to your blog</p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Make friends and <a href="http://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/main/invitation/new?xg_source=tab" target="_self">invite friends</a> to join</p>
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<p>Interact with us and the cyclocross community on Cyclocross Magazine! Ask a question, discuss a product or get help with wrenching or training (and don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/" target="_self">www.cxmagazine.com</a> and befriend us on <a href="http://twitter.com/CYCLOCROSS" target="_self">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Cyclocross" target="_self">Facebook</a>!).</p>
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<p>Reply to this thread if you have suggestions to other members of how to get the most out of our Cowbell site.</p>
<div><div><div><p> </p>
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<p> </p> Nats - Getting too big or expensive?tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-12-04:1198434:Topic:765732010-12-04T07:43:38.032ZTire Snobhttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/TireSnob
I noticed that the # of registered riders for Bend is down this year. I don't remember seeing a drop in recent years - it just has been getting bigger and bigger. Wondering if you went last year and aren't this year? If so, can you share why? <div><br></br></div>
<div>Do people think it's too expensive, too long of a week, too many rules? Is it not the party it used to be? Or is it just the economy? Or people went last year, had fun but realized how far/cold it is? </div>
<div><br></br></div>
<div>I…</div>
I noticed that the # of registered riders for Bend is down this year. I don't remember seeing a drop in recent years - it just has been getting bigger and bigger. Wondering if you went last year and aren't this year? If so, can you share why? <div><br/></div>
<div>Do people think it's too expensive, too long of a week, too many rules? Is it not the party it used to be? Or is it just the economy? Or people went last year, had fun but realized how far/cold it is? </div>
<div><br/></div>
<div>I don't know anyone who travels a long distance to go to track, mtb, or road nationals to race if they don't have a chance at a title, or go just to watch. Cyclocross has been different in that sense - it's high-level racing but also a fun event to watch and participate in. Looks like that might be already shifting?</div>
<div><br/></div>
<div>I'm curious to see how the Madison event will come together, especially with it being in January. But it's also just before Masters Worlds too, right?</div> Building out an old mountin bike as a cross racing bike? Any advantages?tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-11-22:1198434:Topic:747112010-11-22T05:29:51.157Zcurt khttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/curtk
A local bike co-op is doing a build-a-bike class this winter -- bring in a bike, over 6-8 weeks take everything off, overhaul, put it all back on. My main goal is to learn how to better maintain mine and my family's bikes, but if I could get a kinda cool cross bike out of it, I'm game!<div><br></br></div>
<div>I'm thinking I'll use my old non-suspension mountain bike (DB cromoly, non-sloping top tube). Mostly I'm thinking of using this bike because I don't ride it so it can be in pieces of 6-8…</div>
A local bike co-op is doing a build-a-bike class this winter -- bring in a bike, over 6-8 weeks take everything off, overhaul, put it all back on. My main goal is to learn how to better maintain mine and my family's bikes, but if I could get a kinda cool cross bike out of it, I'm game!<div><br/></div>
<div>I'm thinking I'll use my old non-suspension mountain bike (DB cromoly, non-sloping top tube). Mostly I'm thinking of using this bike because I don't ride it so it can be in pieces of 6-8 weeks and it's front and rear geared so I can learn about that stuff.<div><br/></div>
<div>But what if at the same time I wanted to try to make it into a cross bike, even for racing? Are there any advantages to a mtn bike in a CX race? I've been passed by them (okay, doesn't say a lot!). Do 26 inch wheels corner better? Do flat bars give more control in technical parts? What might I want to do to make this mtn bike into a good cross bike -- moustache bars, drops, other ideas? </div>
<div><br/></div>
<div><br/></div>
<div><br/></div>
</div> The Season is over - now what?tag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-11-11:1198434:Topic:736122010-11-11T23:00:02.239ZRemy Maguirehttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/RemyMaguire
Training Question from a Noob....<div><br></br></div>
<div>This was my first cyclocross season. And it was a good one. I finished top 5 as a beginner and moved up to finish top 15 in the B's. Whoo whoo! I can't wait to see what I can do next year! I've been reading and researching how to train over the Winter and through Mtn Bike season so I can kill it in 'cross. I'm having a hard time putting together a plan!?! How much off-time is too much? When and how do I work it so I'm getting better and…</div>
Training Question from a Noob....<div><br/></div>
<div>This was my first cyclocross season. And it was a good one. I finished top 5 as a beginner and moved up to finish top 15 in the B's. Whoo whoo! I can't wait to see what I can do next year! I've been reading and researching how to train over the Winter and through Mtn Bike season so I can kill it in 'cross. I'm having a hard time putting together a plan!?! How much off-time is too much? When and how do I work it so I'm getting better and faster by Fall? Thanks for any advice!</div> Best CX course designtag:cowbell.cxmagazine.com,2010-03-29:1198434:Topic:541252010-03-29T03:32:14.796ZJoseph Davishttps://cowbell.cxmagazine.com/profile/JosephDavis
<p>Just a general question, Area not withstanding, what is your favorite feature in a CX race? I have seen some video of the "Circle of Death" etc....Up here in Oregon, we have the 6-Pack barriers & of course the SSCXWC Bacon/PBR hand ups.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Up here in Oregon, we have the 6-pack barrires & the PBR/Bacon hand ups at the SSCXWC. Or how about the Tequila shot short cut? Foam? Striper Bus?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My personal fav was at a location at our local Dragstrip, there was…</p>
<p>Just a general question, Area not withstanding, what is your favorite feature in a CX race? I have seen some video of the "Circle of Death" etc....Up here in Oregon, we have the 6-Pack barriers & of course the SSCXWC Bacon/PBR hand ups.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Up here in Oregon, we have the 6-pack barrires & the PBR/Bacon hand ups at the SSCXWC. Or how about the Tequila shot short cut? Foam? Striper Bus?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My personal fav was at a location at our local Dragstrip, there was one section that got put in that went Mud....Gravel.....Mud......Gravel.....</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Or as we like to say"Frosting, sprinkles, frosting, sprinkles!" So many riders lost rear derailers from poor shifting judgement. Good thing I ride Single Speed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So what is it? What is your favorite feature or memory in, at, or on your local venue?</p>