Can SSCX still be competitive?

[Thegiantpeanut]

Looking to get a bit more involved with cx this season but only have my trusty single speed surly cross check in my stable. I have always loved riding offroad single speed, less shoot to clean up, less stuff to break and something to blame falling off on. But for getting into serious cross races, especially in the uk where there is no separate catagory, will I be pooped? I would say I am fairly fit, race road and track during sunny season, so I dont think that should be a limiting factor. Perhaps I should just griz it and dive in

 

[VamP]

Competitive enough to begin with. Some courses less so. But dive in and see, there is a lot of learning curve anyways so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Dusty Bin]

Single speed will almost certainly put you at a disadvantage, compared to others with the same fitness level.

 

[palinurus]

Competitive enough I'd say. Definitely dive in, you'll learn plenty and if you already race you could go quite well. Someone from our club finished quite high up in the league riding SS a few years back.

If the weather is really shoot definitely turn up- the fields can get seriously reduced and league points are easier to get, plus no chance of a sheared-off rear mech to spoil the ride.

 

[oldroadman]

If it's for fun and you are not bothered about wins, and losing out to properly equipped riders, then why not. But competitive at any decent level, no way.

 

[Howard]

Ask yourself this question: are you planning on winning a league / regional / national / international?

If yes, then SSCX might not be for you.

If no, dive right in

 

[montage]

Looking to get a bit more involved with cx this season but only have my trusty single speed surly cross check in my stable. I have always loved riding offroad single speed, less s*** to clean up, less stuff to break and something to blame falling off on. But for getting into serious cross races, especially in the uk where there is no separate catagory, will I be pooped? I would say I am fairly fit, race road and track during sunny season, so I dont think that should be a limiting factor. Perhaps I should just griz it and dive in

no

 

[Thegiantpeanut]

no

User error on your part!
It's only a problem if something stupid happens like your chain falling off or cleats coming loose.

 

[Howard]

Well yes - hardly a strong contribution Whether SSCX is for you all depends on your goals.

 

[Dusty Bin]

It's only a problem if something stupid happens like your chain falling off or cleats coming loose.

or if you need a different gear...

 

[Howard]

Just HTFU and pedal harder.

 

[Dusty Bin]

Just HTFU and pedal harder.

not easy if you are already spinning out..

 

[VamP]

not easy if you are already spinning out..

Time to have a breather then

I have seen people on SS happily midpack in Sunday league races. I haven't seen anyone in the top ten. I think the OP just wants to know whether he's going to be tail end Charlie - which he's not. Or if he is, it won't be because of his gearing.

He might have to run a few sections that others ride. No biggie.

 

[Howard]

not easy if you are already spinning out..

Just HTFU and pedal faster!

 

[Dusty Bin]

word...