Classic Bikes Cyclocross

Buying advice for: Gravel: Cyclocross

• Frame material

  Cyclocross frames are made from a variety of materials, with each material offering different characteristics and ride feel. Aluminium frames are widely used and offer a good strength to weight ratio. They are stiff and responsive, allowing for efficient power transfer. Aluminium frames are often cheaper than frames made from other materials. Carbon frames are extremely light and offer excellent stiffness. They absorb vibrations well and therefore offer a high level of riding comfort, which can be an advantage on rough cyclocross tracks. However, carbon frames tend to be more expensive than aluminium frames and may require special maintenance. Steel frames are considered robust and durable. They offer a smooth ride and absorb vibrations well, which can be an advantage on bumpy cyclocross courses. However, steel frames tend to be heavier than aluminium or carbon frames. The choice of frame material depends on various factors, including budget, riding behaviour, desired ride quality and personal preference.

• Chassis

  The chassis or suspension of a cyclocross bike differs significantly from bikes designed for other terrains or applications. In general, cyclocross bikes do not have specialised suspension like mountain bikes, as they are designed for racing on different surfaces such as gravel, grass, mud and tarmac, where efficient power transfer and manoeuvrability are more important than suspension comfort. Instead, the suspension on cyclocross bikes relies on the flexibility of the tyres and frame to counteract bumps and vibrations from rough tracks. Basically, the suspension of a cyclocross bike is designed to provide a balanced combination of comfort, control and efficiency to meet the demands of off-road racing.

• Wheels

  Cyclocross wheels often use rims that are more robust than road rims to cope with the demands of off-road riding. They can have a wider rim width to accommodate wider tyres and improve stability on uneven surfaces. The spokes on cyclocross wheels are often reinforced to provide greater strength and stiffness, especially on jumps or rough track conditions. Some wheels also use a higher number of spokes for added robustness.

• Tyres

  Tyres play an important role on a cyclocross bike as they have a big impact on comfort and traction. The quality of the tyres can have a significant impact on the performance and riding comfort of the bike. Wider tyres with lower air pressure are often used to ensure better damping and traction on uneven surfaces. Many modern cyclocross wheels are tubeless-ready, which means that they can be ridden without tubes. Tubeless tyres often offer better puncture protection and improved traction at lower air pressure. Cyclocross tyres usually have a special tread pattern that is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including mud, grass, gravel and tarmac. The tread pattern can have different patterns and heights to maximise grip and self-cleaning properties.

• Brakes

  Brakes are an essential part of a cyclocross bike and must be able to cope with the demands of different surfaces and conditions. Traditionally cyclocross bikes have been fitted with cantilever brakes, but increasingly hydraulic disc brakes are being used which offer better braking performance, especially in muddy conditions. Cantilever brakes have two brake pads per brake calliper, which are actuated by a cable. They offer good braking performance and sufficient clearance for the use of wide tyres with tread. They also have the advantage that they are less susceptible to dirt and mud. Cyclocross bikes are increasingly being fitted with hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. Disc brakes offer improved braking performance and modulation, especially on wet and muddy terrain. They also offer more freedom in the choice of rims and allow the use of wider tyres.