CX newbie questions: Dos and Don'ts?

[Piratefly]

I'm getting my feet wet into cyclocross, buying one of the bikesdirect bikes. I MTB and love adventure races, mud runs, obstacle courses (tough mudder, spartan...). So I think CX will be right up my alley.

I live in the Phoenix, AZ area and most the bike trails are hard packed dirt and rocky. I understand by nature the frame, tire pressure, etc. will require different riding techniques.

So my question is are there just straight up don't dos on a CX bike...?

Bunny hops? Small jumps? Popping up or down curbs or small rocks? Any other obvious things I might miss coming from MTB?

Thanks!

[jct]

you can ride anything on a CX bike for the most part. i don't think there are dos and don'ts specific to just riding a CX bike around.

if you plan on racing your bike, learn how to properly dismount and remount while maintaining as much fwd. momentum as possible(no hop). learn proper shouldering technique as well. also learn how to ride off to the side when you start getting lapped and/or passed by faster riders.

other than that, just ride the hell out of it!!

[Sizzler]

Not cross, but if you're afraid of hurting the bike, watch this:

[Sheepo5669]

Sizzler, I bet if you or I tried to do those things with that bike the result would not be the same.

[Sheepo5669]

Here is my lame attempt!

[IMG][/IMG]

[Piratefly]

Wow. That video was pretty amazing.

Well, I got my bike ordered. Can't wait to get on it this week! Now where do I find a really tall bridge over some train tracks...?

[AlliKat]

don't: wait to get started
don't: question if you're good enough/fast enough etc
do: go sign up for a race. Have fun
don't: worry about how you place.
do: train harder for the next race
don't: use brakes on off camber grassy tight turns
do: get used to stand up pedaling to hammer out of turns

good luck and finish every race with a smile and a beer.

[Sizzler]

Here is my lame attempt!

[IMG][/IMG]

Great pic! Which tires are those? They look like my tufos, maybe I'm wrong.

[LowLightSean]

So my question is are there just straight up don't dos on a CX bike...?

Bunny hops? Small jumps? Popping up or down curbs or small rocks? Any other obvious things I might miss coming from MTB?

Thanks!

Yes, do all of that and more! It may look like a road bike but it's not. I bought mine for commuting since the roads in my town are too rough for a skinny tire bike. I have been doing everything on it except really technical stuff and drops... the f/s bike can stand in for that

I did a 'cross race this past weekend(first timer). Do one as soon as you can! If you wait, you will look back wondering why you didn't get into it sooner. It's a real blast. I race xc, it's apples and oranges, a whole new rush!

[Piratefly]

Thanks for the tips! I'm excited, UPS shows my bike out for delivery today!! I guess I don't have to treat her so delicately.

@Sheepo5669 Is that your lame attempt at a bunny hop or showing the "bulge" off to all the ladies?

[kmancrx]

Sleeveless Jerseys and arm warmers...always a good choice

[rti27]

That Video is SICK!