If you’re going out for a winter ride, you’re going to get dirty - driving rain, slippery roads and poor visibility. But rather than battling the grime, embrace it and improve your cycling skills with a little rough-stuff riding. The discipline of cyclocross racing is fast, fun and furious, and it'll make you a better rider, guaranteed.
- What is cyclocross? Race rules, anatomy of a cross bike and more
- 10 steps to becoming a fitter, faster, better cyclist
- 7 day cyclocross training program for the busy 'cross racer
Get off-road and you don’t have to worry about drivers not seeing you, or scrubbing out on a greasy corner into oncoming traffic. Test and improve your fitness and bike handling by seeking out the gloop, getting on your cyclocross or mountain bike and hitting the trails.
1. Cyclocross promotes silky smooth pedalling
In a study on efficient pedalling technique, mountain bikers came out on top of all types of cyclist.
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This is because on loose or slippery surfaces the power going to the back wheel has to be consistent or you’ll just slip and slide. Off-road riding will make you spin perfect circles – try stomping a big gear and you’ll get nowhere.
So take those skills to cyclocross and you'll get a smooth, measured and efficient pedal stroke that'll get you up the slipperiest of slopes.
2. Cyclocross improves your gear selection
Muck up a gear shift on the road and usually you’ll get away with dropping back a bit, wasting some energy, or a ribbing from your mates. Get it wrong off-road and you’re likely to end up walking.
3. Cyclocross develops your strength and power
4. Cyclocross improves your bike handling
- If you can corner well on mud or gravel then wet roads will hold no fear.
- Learning to position your body correctly when climbing transfers directly to wet or green roads in spring or autumn.
- Skills such as unweighting the front wheel and bunnyhops also have their place on the road.
5. Cyclocross lets you enjoy exploring
6. Cyclocross teaches you race techniques
Off-Road essentials
- Keep your bike well maintained. Check all bolts, bars and seat tube. Adjust tyre pressures to the trail conditions
- Add extra lube, a power-link, spare brake pads and a rear mech hanger to your usual spares
- Carry a map, compass and mobile phone. Let someone know where you’re planning to go
- Pack a waterproof whatever the conditions. In the hills, bad weather can develop in minutes
- If in doubt, walk. Ride within your technical ability and try to feel in control at all times
- Stick to legal rights of way and be considerate to other trail users
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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