Best Cyclo Cross Bikes Under £1000

By tejvan on June 1, 2010 in bikes

cyclocross

At first glance a cyclo cross bike looks similar to a road bike, but, with wider tyres, different brakes and no drop handlebars. However, cyclo cross frames use a different frame geometry to help with better pedal clearance and manoeuvrability.

The bottom bracket is held higher off ground to allow better clearance.

Features of Good Cyclo Cross bike

Cyclo Cross tyres are usually fitted on 700c road wheels. Wider tyres, but not as thick as mountain bike tyres as they can actually be more difficult to cycle through mud.

For cyclo cross races, aerodynamics is much less important as winning speeds can be as low as 15mph. Therefore, it is not so important to get a low position on the bike, the key is comfort and ability to control the bike.

Brakes. Standard road brakes can easily clog in the mud. Low cost options tend to use the more old fashioned cantilever style brakes. If you have the money, hydraulic brake pads are the best option for a more powerful braking system which isn’t prone to being blocked.

Gears. On steep climbs it is often quicker to get off and carry bike. Therefore, don’t worry about having gears which are very low. 37-28 lowest gear is probably sufficient. It also depends on surface and type of course. A 50 or 52 outer ring will enable enough speed on fast downhills.

Good Value Cyclo Cross Bikes under £1000

Focus Mares

At under £900, the Focus Mares offers a alloy cross frame and stiff carbon forks. Brakes are Prime Canti 2C Race Cantilever brakes. Hubs, rims and wheelset is provided by Pro Lite Como. Groupset is mainly Shimano 105. A good entry level cyclo cross racing bike

Focus Mares Cyclo Cross bike at Wiggle