We are quite aware that Gravel Bikes are a super popular choice these days. Lots and lots of events ready made for them. Gravel bikes are inherently a versatile tool for multiple surfaces, and riders from the most casual to racers are choosing them.
Long before Gravel specific events were a big thing, the Kansas City area was a significant market for cyclo-cross. Multiple national championships, and full seasons of events.
This Fall/Winter there is a good schedule of events and all are welcoming to new participants.
Cyclo-cross has been considered a niche discipline by many riders (we think that’s debatable), but we do understand that the requirement of a specific bicycle can be a barrier. We also believe that your gravel bike can break through that barrier.
This Trek Crockett is a specific cyclo-cross machine.
This Cervelo Aspero is a Gravel Bike set up for cyclo-cross.
What’s the difference? And how do I set my Gravel Bike up for the best results in a cyclo-cross event?
The differences are subtle, and there is a fair amount of variation between models in both categories. The common differences are a bit quicker steering on the CX bike (steeper head angle), a higher bottom bracket, and surprisingly less tire clearance. The Gravel bike usually has a head tube angle configured for more straight line stability (slacker), lower bottom bracket (for the same), and more tire clearance. Mud? You want as much clearance as possible.
Depending on the course, those differences can be very much in favor of the Gravel Bike.
In Europe, deep sand ruts are common in many races. Hence a high bottom bracket is an advantage. Deep sand ruts are rare in most American cyclo-cross races. We do have plenty of rough and bumpy courses. A good argument can be made that the stable geometry of the Gravel bike is a fair advantage.
Tires and tire width. IF you’re in a UCI category, the maximum tire width allowed is 33mm. That category isn’t a thing for most local/grass roots races. Because of that rule, many CX specific bikes don’t leave room for tires much larger. The Trek above does have clearance for a 38mm, but that’s max. Are bigger cyclo-cross specific tires an advantage? In many, if not most, CX events, the answer is yes. The folks at Lauf (and other sources) will tell you that the bigger tire footprint and volume will help you go faster.
So you’re ready to enter an event or attend a cyclo-cross clinic. How do you set up your gravel bike?
The first thing to do is remove the clutter. Reduce the weight; the items that impede the ability to run/carry the bike should come off. All the bags. You’re not going to need the extra food and drink and tools that are essential for a long gravel ride. So strip the bike down. During hot weather practice and races, a single bottle cage is enough. When the weather cools (and courses that require shouldering the bike) take both cages off. Garmin? We recommend using a GPS watch for races.
Tire choice. Will any stock gravel tire work for Cyclo-cross? Perhaps, but the biggest tires (above 40mm) are bringing a weight penalty. The smoothest/fastest tires will not have the cornering and climbing traction needed for a punchy CX course. You’ll appreciate some knobs. We would suggest a specific treaded ‘cross tire for best results. Our favorite is the Vittoria Terrano Mix. There are a variety of widths ( they are currently doing a resizing), but 37-38mm is the sweet spot.
Drop the pressure. It’s rare that more than 30psi is helpful in a cyclo-cross event. Mid 20’s psi is good place to start. Better traction and good tires roll just fine, including on the pavement section at lower pressures. IF you’re not set up tubeless, this is the time. While tubed tires can be used (and pros still use tubulars), a tubeless tire is the best choice to reduce your chance of punctures with low pressures.
Gearing. Even on the fastest courses with a road section, speeds above 25 mph are quite rare. Your high gear on any gravel bike will be big enough (if not too big). The middle and low range will be the most useful. Old school cyclocross riders rarely had the low gears of a modern gravel bike, opting to run when things became steep. That’s changing. The low gears that most gravel bikes are set up with is a plus. The two example bikes above are set up with the same effective low gear. The Trek CX bike has a 38 tooth single chain ring with a 11-42 cassette. The Aspero Gravel bike has a 40 tooth single ring with a 10-45 cassette.
Position on the bike? If you’re set up comfortable for gravel, you should be ready for the rigors of cyclo-cross. Come play!