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Post by delia on Feb 11, 2010 10:13:51 GMT
If you are going to get 2 bikes, try to get them set up the same. It's really weird getting on a bike mid-race if it has a different set up to the one you started on.
My spare bike has the brakes on the opposite sides to my main bike, the gearing's different as is the positioning. It freaks me out trying to make the trasnision between the two!
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Post by davidr on Feb 11, 2010 11:07:43 GMT
2 bikes is certainly the best way to go... at the Wilmington round I destroyed a rear tyre on the first lap but I simply ran round to the pits and switched to the spare, it kept me in the race. Of course you can always have spare wheels but if it's really muddy or you have a mechanical then wheels aren't going to help much. (Mechanic's note: The differences in Delia's cross bikes will be addressed during the 'off-season' in readiness for her first full season of National Trophy races )
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 11:18:42 GMT
That's one of the things putting me off racing actually. I can't afford and can't justify two bikes. there was an interesting letter in the comic a few weeks back about the elitism in cross racing and how it was divided by those who could afford to have two bikes, a helper, pressure washer etc. and those who couldn't.
Myabe I should rethink if the only way I can compete is to have two £2000 plus bikes.
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Post by delia on Feb 11, 2010 11:32:29 GMT
Two bikes iare better than one but that definitely shouldn't stop you racing. A lot of people who race London League races don't even have a cross bike (many use mountain bikes...and do a lot better than those on cross bikes!). Don't let this multiple-bike talk put you off. The best thing about cross is that it isn't snobby at all so it's definitely worth getting a bike and giving it a go. The only risk is feeling a little frustrated if you get a puncture and can't finish a race...but you could always run it!
Also, I don't know how tall you are but if you're a giant then you might be able to buy David R's spare Ridley. Or maybe you could buy it and just race with a pair of step ladders.
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Post by andyw on Feb 11, 2010 11:36:22 GMT
2 x £500 bikes wil be faster in lots of races than 1 x £2000 bike.
But yeah, I didn't change bikes in any of the London Leagues all season and I managed. I changed wheels a couple of times for punctures but not bikes.
Your steps toward racing cross should be: get one bike, start racing, set up some wheels as spares, set up some wheels with tubs, get a spare bike.
For most people steps one to three are sufficient - bike, race, wheels. The final two are luxuries that will make you faster, but they're luxuries nonetheless.
I don't really buy the thing about cross being elitist. Helpers are - or should be - free and a jet wash is a: a luxury whose function can be closely approximated with a bucket of water and a some brushes b: pretty cheap if you buy it between a club. We've got four riders competing in the trophy now, and probably 8 if you count the extended family of south london riders. Splitting a £200 jet wash eight ways really isn't too extortianate in my view. Also, with riders competing at different times of the day, there should be plenty of willing helpers around. The only real expense that is greater than road racing are having two bikes, but as we've said, two cheap, clean and well set-up bikes are quicker than one expensive bike. You don't need to throw loads of money at them.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 11:53:05 GMT
Thanks for all the advice. I think the important thing is to get a bike (one I can afford) and get racing. I tend to find that, as you say, you get an idea of what you need/would be useful as you compete so that'll come next winter. I've read a couple of good reports about the Raleigh Cross bike as a good starter with upgradeability. Andy, any opinions? www.evanscycles.com/products/raleigh/airlite-u6-x-cross-2009-road-bike-ec018988
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Post by davidr on Feb 11, 2010 12:00:48 GMT
I've found that cross races are actually more friendly and social than a lot of road races. Haven't come across any elitism. Delia and I bumped into Katerina Nash in a café after she'd just won the women's Worldcup round at Roubaix a couple of weeks back and she couldn't have been any nicer or more engaging. She was more interested to hear about how Delia's racing was going and gave her some really good advice about tackling the nationals. Get a bike, some spare wheels, get racing and start enjoying it. Also, you might find this book really helpful; Available from all good bookshops inc. Amazon.
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Post by andyw on Feb 11, 2010 12:13:25 GMT
the Raleigh does look good at that money. Especially if you have any other 9speed stuff kicking around
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 12:27:36 GMT
Ah, yes. 9 speed. Might make picking up replacements for broken bits easier.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 13:55:19 GMT
Also, you might find this book really helpful; Available from all good bookshops inc. Amazon. You can have mine for free.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 14:13:09 GMT
Well, if it's going that would be fantastic.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2010 16:04:50 GMT
I've managed this year on a mountain bike (and am running tubeless tyres so I don't need spare wheels either!) My first cross race was the herne hill muddy hell, which was great fun and a great introduction. Most of the courses have been much the same as a beastway mountain bike course, ridden in the same way, and similar crowd and friendliness. The best thing about cross (like mountain bike racing) is you can't get dropped - you ride at your own ability and pretty soon will have people of the same ability as you in front and behind, and you can have your own little battle with them - whether you're charging up at the front or pootling round at the back. All you have to do is ride at a pace you can keep up for an hour.
So why not solve our team dilemma and come along on Sunday with mountain bike??
(It looks like I'll be driving by myself now, so can offer a lift as well if anyone needs one)
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Post by delia on Feb 11, 2010 17:34:09 GMT
and probably 8 if you count the extended family of south london riders. And 9 if you count West Yorkshire fathers!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2010 11:23:52 GMT
Pete, that would take some negotiation with the wife....
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2010 21:49:32 GMT
Well, if it's going that would be fantastic. Not sure about fantastic but it passes an hour or so! I got into quite a heated debate with the author about his writing skills, and we called it a draw. THE book to get is Simon Burney's.
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