{"id":5748,"date":"2014-09-24T12:33:50","date_gmt":"2014-09-24T11:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/?p=5748"},"modified":"2018-04-10T09:29:15","modified_gmt":"2018-04-10T08:29:15","slug":"top-ten-cyclocross-essentials-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/top-ten-cyclocross-essentials-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 cyclocross essentials"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you already very ‘cross? Or just ‘cross curious? The end of September brings many things – the official start of Autumn for one – but for the dropbar cyclist it means just one thing. The start of the cyclocross season.<\/p>\n

Every year lately it seems that this previously cult-only genre of cycling gets more and more popular and almost mainstream.<\/p>\n

Whether you’ve been bitten by the bug or you’re just thinking of dipping your toe in, here’s a few things that will ease the way.<\/p>\n

\"gore<\/p>\n

Gore Professional Brake Cable Set (this is an old post and the linked content no longer exists)<\/span><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> A sealed-from-the-elements cable system.
\nWhy:<\/strong> Cyclocross courses are mudfests, sealed cabling keeps your braking crisp and reliable.<\/p>\n

\"zipp<\/p>\n

Zipp Service Course CX Bar Tape<\/a><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> Bar tape with a bit more padding to it.
\nWhy:<\/strong> You tend to grasp your bars tighter during ‘cross and the terrain is inherently rougher.<\/p>\n

\"shimano<\/p>\n

Shimano CX50 Cyclocross Chainset (Product no longer in stock)<\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> A double chainset with a more usefully sized outer chainring.
\nWhy:<\/strong> If your ‘cross bike came with a massive big ring, this combo will make life a bit easier on steeper terrain.<\/p>\n

\"dexshell<\/p>\n

DexShell Waterproof Beanie Gradient<\/a><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> A warm and waterproof hat.
\nWhy:<\/strong> You’ll be glad of something like this during the before and after a soggy ‘cross race.<\/p>\n

\"continental<\/p>\n

Cyclocross tyres<\/a><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> 30-35mm knobbly tyres.
\nWhy:<\/strong> A bit more cushioning and grip.<\/p>\n

\"shimano\"fizik<\/p>\n

Mountain bike clipless pedals<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Mountain bike shoes<\/a><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> Double-sided clipless pedals with lots of mud-shedding room.\u00a0MTB shoes to go with these pedals.
\nWhy:<\/strong> During ‘cross you’re constantly dismounting and remounting your bike – covered in filth.\u00a0The shoes\u00a0have the correct cleat holes and the aggressive tread sole for clambering up grassy climbs.<\/p>\n

\"muc<\/p>\n

Muc Off 8-in-1 Bike Cleaning Kit<\/a><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> Pretty much everything that bike cleaning maestros Muc Off make, in a handy tub.
\nWhy:<\/strong> You’ve seen the state of ‘cross bikes after a race right?<\/p>\n

\"k<\/p>\n

K-Edge Braze-On Double Chain Catcher (this is an old post and the linked content no longer exists)<\/span><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> A ramp to guide your chain and reduce the possibility of your chain dropping off the small chainring.
\nWhy:<\/strong> The rough terrain and often panicky gear selections during ‘cross put your chain through lots of demands.<\/p>\n

\"strip<\/p>\n

Secret Training Strip Start Oil – 100ml (this is an old post and the linked content no longer exists)<\/span><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> A warming oil that gets your legs warmed up and ready for full-on racing that begins right from the starting pistol.
\nWhy:<\/strong> ‘Cross is cold. Race starts are fast and furious. Perform better and with less chance of muscle injury too.<\/p>\n

\"drossiger<\/p>\n

Cyclocross bike<\/a><\/p>\n

What:<\/strong> A bike for cyclocross.
\nWhy:<\/strong> If you don’t have one, you’ll need one. If you do have one, a new one with disc brakes is very tempting.<\/p>\n

Find yourself a ‘cross race<\/h2>\n

The only thing left to do now is find a race to have a go at. There are loads of local races happening every week throughout Autumn and into Winter.<\/p>\n

At chance would have it (ahem) the most iconic cyclocross event in the UK – nay, the world – is happening this coming weekend – The 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross<\/a>.<\/p>\n

An impressively ludicrous route involving the three biggest lumps in t’ Yorkshire Dales – Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. It’s big and it’s hard. The video below makes it look difficult enough. Imagine it if rains though…<\/p>\n