Every year we ask the same question — where has 'cross gone? Who took it away? Will it come back?
- Try this 7-day cyclocross training plan for the busy 'cross racer
- 5 reasons your next bike should be a cyclocross bike
Fear not, the hashtags preach the truth and 'cross season has truly, undoubtedly, definitely arrived. And here to kickstart your season of suffering are seven cherry-picked bargains from around the web.
Kona Private Jake (2016) — £1,499.00 £1,199.20
The Jake has been a staple of the Kona line for years and the range topping Private Jake is currently on sale for £1,199.20 from Cycle Store, a saving of 20 percent on the RRP.This alloy steed comes with a carbon fork and is tied together at both ends by thru-axles. A SRAM Rival drivetrain gets things moving with TRP Spyre’s stopping them again.
With clearance for 40mm tyres, this looks to be a very versatile, year-round steed.
Vittoria Latex Inner Tube — £12.99 £7.99
Latex inner tubes are most often found inside high-end tubular tyres and are known to make a big difference to the ride quality of regular clincher tyres. As well as being lighter weight, they allow you to run a considerably lower pressure as they are less prone to pinch flatting.
For a penny under £8 per tube it’s well worth trying a set out.
Avid Shorty Ultimate Cantilever Brakes — £85.00 £53.49 – £55.99
Cantilever brakes are still popular among elite-level 'cross racers and sado-masochist's, citing their low weight and huge mud clearances as the primary reason that they still exist at all. So canti-lovers you have permission to rejoice as these Avid Shorty Ultimates, long considered to be among the best you can buy, are reduced to £55.99 at CRC.
Craft Be Active Long Sleeve Baselayer — £33.00 £16.50
As a winter sport, cyclocross is not known for being a sunny, warm affair. As such, you’ll want to invest in a decent base layer to keep the chill off during an event.These Craft Be Active baselayers are a bargain at £16.50 from Evans.
Schwalbe CX Pro 700x30c Tyre - £23.50 £16.00
While it’s always worthwhile investing in good quality rubber for racing, a cheap set of training tyres are worth having for everyday, drop bar hooliganism.These dependable treads from German tyre giant Schwalbe are down to a very reasonable £16 at Tweeks.
Shimano Ultegra 6800 Double CX11 Speed Chainset — £249.99 £141.99
Cyclocross racers favour closely stepped gearing over more conventional compacts seen on road bikes, with the 46/36t combo being most commonly specced.These Ultegra 11-speed cranks are an absolute steal at £141.99 and are sure to drop some weight from your 'cross weapon.
Gear4Music 6 inch cowbell — £9.99 £5.99
And if you’re in the mood for spectating but still want a bargain you could do as cyclocross tradition dictates and pick up this cowbell, buy a pack of reduced beer and make a racket while your local racers turn themselves inside out for an hour of muddy suffering.
