Dec 06 2011
Cyclo-cross bikes are most favorable for races:
The bikes highly recommended for bike races are called cylo-cross bikes. At its first look you will be able to differentiate it with the common bikes. From the frame geometry and wider clearances the cyclo-cross bikes are different from the road racing bikes. As these bikes are using mainly for the racing purposes so the materials to prepare the frame are selected with an aim to produce a lightweight, yet stiff and responsive. In earlier times the aluminum frames were popular for cyclo-cross bikes but now the frame made of aluminum with carbon fiber being popular at a professional level and steel and titanium being favorites amongst riders who always search for a smoother ride and a longer lasting frame.
The framing of cyclo-cross bikes
The compact geometry frames with sloping top tubes has made it less common than the road bikes. This advantage has brought to these bikes due to the need to carry the bicycle easily on the shoulder. The wheels of these bikes are simply fitted with knobby tires as common road racing bikes but the deeper rim is used to take advantages in thick mud. There is a difference between the road and the cyclo-cross bikes in handlebar. For a more upright position the cyclo-cross bikes tend to have slightly higher handlebars. Cyclocross bikes are also favorite to the competitors due to a second set of brake levers on the top, called top mount brake levers.
Tire is a very important section of cyclo-cross bikes. The choice of tire should be made very carefully. Tubular tires are most favorable for these cycles. Now a day some cyclo-cross bikes are available in consumer market for general use. These bikes are equipped with disc brakes also. For its versatility and a different look from a common road bikes the demand of cyclo-cross bikes has been increasing among the common people.