Wearing the right cyclocross clothing and accessories helps you optimize your race performance. Clothing provides comfort and protection, while properly equipping your bike improves performance by maximizing all your physical effort, without losing a single watt.
Are you new to the world of cyclocross?
The first thing you need to stock up on is the desire to train hard and consistently to compete in this tough but extremely fun sport. Now let's look at cycling clothing and accessories.
Cyclocross clothing
Cyclocross clothing is inevitably affected by the type of course you're racing on. Mud, branches, obstacles. Here are some tips.
The body and the helmet
Cyclocross uses a suit similar to the one used in road time trials. This type of suit is preferred because it allows for agile movement, preventing the athlete from getting tangled in branches, leaves, and obstacles. The best suits are those with a water-repellent and windproof treatment , preferably with a thermal insert to retain heat since cyclocross races take place in winter.
As for the helmet, you can use a road cycling helmet by paying attention to some features:
- The size, to be chosen by measuring the circumference of the head with a tape measure;
- Safety, by purchasing helmets that are approved and certified to UNE-EN 1078. Even safer are helmets equipped with the Multidirectional Impact Protection System MIPS , which protects the head from impacts in multiple directions;
- The material, possibly polycarbonate: light and resistant but which allows for good ventilation;
- Ventilation, in fact, which provides a better aerodynamic setup;
- Weight: a lightweight helmet is more comfortable during racing and less burdensome on the cervical spine.
Cyclocross shoes
What are the best cyclocross shoes? This sport requires a shoe with a rigid sole to transmit the power of pedaling to the pedal. Since the races take place in winter, the shoes must be water-repellent . Some choose mountain bike shoes with crampons, while others prefer shoes with a quick-release system with a metal plate (the plastic plate isn't durable enough during the running sections). In short, the important thing is that the shoes are rigid, water-repellent, and allow you to quickly mount and dismount the bike.
How to equip your bike
Cyclocross bike accessories are an integral part of race preparation: they represent a strategic choice to make the most of all the training done in preparation for the competition.
Before talking about accessories, we remind you to use a light bike with a rigid set-up : agility, responsiveness and handling will be extremely useful in the race.
Cyclocross Pedals
Cyclocross pedals must be suitable for performing three functions:
- Transmit the force exerted by the muscle to the bike;
- Reduce mud buildup;
- Facilitate quick attachment and release of the shoe.
It's therefore advisable to choose clipless pedals with a wide platform, which are very light and rigid. This provides stability to the foot and optimizes the transfer of muscle power.
The tubeless tire wheel for cyclocross
The wheels are also essential to obtain a rigid set-up and the maximum possible smoothness.
We recommend choosing lightweight carbon wheels with a 37mm profile and 28mm width to get the most out of your race.
In terms of tires, tubeless is becoming the most common choice in cyclocross given the uneven terrain , reducing the risk of punctures or cuts. Tubeless is a technology that eliminates the need for an internal tube and prevents external air from entering. This unique mechanism helps maintain stable tire pressure throughout the race.
Clincher tires aren't glued but rather attached to the two sides of the rim. They don't have an inner tube, but a sealing liquid. They're run at a lower pressure than tubulars: these wheels are more comfortable and better able to withstand moisture and bumpy terrain. For this reason, tubeless tires are becoming a standard in cyclocross, but more and more cyclists are choosing them for road riding as well.
Thanks to its in-house research and development department and collaboration with professional cyclocross teams , URSUS has designed top-of-the-line cyclocross wheels and tires. Choosing quality bike accessories can change the outcome of your race, allowing you to give your best even during the toughest restarts along the course.
Find out which are the best wheels for cyclocross...
What's behind a cyclocross wheel and what should you know to choose the best wheel for your needs?
Find out in this interview with Andrea Zen, Ursus engineer
