Single speed or geared cyclocross racing?

Question

I'm looking to start riding cross, but I'm having a tough decision deciding what type of bike to buy. I'd also like to begin racing as well.

I'm not new to biking, but I've ridden a single speed all my life. I've also been riding a fixed gear for the past year. That being said, I prefer riding SS and fixed to a geared bike.

It seems as most CX racers have geared bikes. Is this because SS is not allowed in certain races?

I don't want to be wishing I had a geared bike so I could participate in the race, but if most races require geared bikes, then I'm willing to switch.

How do the cross races work? Are geared bikes and SS bikes seperated into different categories? Or is it just one big race with whatever bikes?

If it helps, I'm in the SF Bay Area. I would be hoping to join races in the area.

Answer 1

Askdefj,

I think we can help.

If you like riding a singlespeed, you definitely should try 'cross on a singlespeed. I have raced cross for almost 20 years and have raced it on a mountain bike, touring bike, 'cross bike, and singlespeed 'cross bike.  last year was the first year I did almost all singlespeed, including the first annual singlespeed cyclocross world championships in portland, OR.

IMHO, 'cross is the most suited to singlespeed racing of the three major disciplines (road, mountain, 'cross).  this is because there aren't major climbs in 'cross, and often you're running with your bike up the hills anyway, and, in most parts of the country (but not for norcal, except in january, maybe december if you're lucky), there's a ton of mud, ice, and snow in 'cross.  that messes up your drivetrain and just creates horrible shifting unless you have a pit crew and spare bike.  So, go with a SS since you know you like them already for those reasons.

If you get serious and into it, I'm sure you can justify at the time upgrading to gears. There's no question it's faster - folks may argue over how much - but it is.  Gears just may not be more fun. You might get faster with the right tires and pressure than adding gears.

In norcal, where our magazine is based, there are a bunch of series where you can race - livermore, pilaricitos, central coast, and the "peak season" series.  there are also a few one-off events in marin and santa cruz (surf city).  you can also get an early start at some practice races and the infamous dFL series if you can find out the details on the underground races.

At most races, there is a singlespeed category.  Unfortunately, if you're new to 'cross, it's a tough race, since it's combined with As - the top dogs of the sport.  So, it may not be the most fun to race for 60 minutes and get double lapped by the top racers.

Livermore and Central Coast had some "B" singlespeed races.  Those are 45 minutes long.

I'd recommend instead starting with Cs and just showing up on your SS.  You'll have fun racing against other newer racers, and may take pride in beating the geared guys with your one gear. There aren't any races where it's illegal to ride a singlespeed, but some races just don't have a category for them. In the Bay Area, there usually is a SS category, but as I' mentioned, you'll probably have more fun starting in Cs on your SS. Even at Nationals, there was a singlespeed race, but it's not an official championship (no stars and stripes jersey).

As for bikes, there are dedicated SS CX bikes (Bianchi San Jose is one, Van Dessel and Spot make models as well) but you could always buy a used cx bike and easliy convert it with a tensioner, or find a old touring bike with horizontal drops and do that. The nice thing about the latter approach is that then you could probably find some cheap vintage tubular wheels, stick a bmx freewheel on it, and have a nice pair of race wheels if you get into it (they'll probably fit the narrower rear dropouts of an older touring frame).

Also, don't just take our opinion. You can ask many other die-hard 'crossers on our (beta) forums here: http://cxmagazine.com/forums

Lastly, sort of a shameless plug, try to get your hands on our Issue 2 of Cyclocross Magazine.  We had a whole "singlespeed overload" section that had a how-to, a converter review, and a in-depth look at the SSCXWC. It turned out to be one of our reader's favorites.

Good luck and see you at the races.