[Laneco]

Ok, guys, it's time for Team Estrogen to weigh in on this package/lycra/shaved leg issue....

Male cyclists are smokin' hot! The scenery from the back of the pack is positively drool-worthy. Yes, you can ride in baggy mountain bike shorts, but why disappoint us by hiding all-that-is-worthy from view?

OK, all teasing aside, the lycra does serve a purpose in 'cross. It's really easy to get baggy pants hung up on the seat when you are bailing on/off the bike. You'll be doing that at a full run, flicking yourself up and onto the seat. You don't want to get hung by your man-panties half-way over the rear of the seat! If you do, the results are hilarious as you belly flop onto the seat and then crash spectacularly!

Cross bikes? They are purpose built. Mine is a disc brake model but there are quite a few big-clearance rim brake bikes out there. If you want to give this a shot, grab an older road bike with as much clearance at the frame as you can find, put the 'cross tires on and go for it. Not ideal but a helluva alot of fun. Many race organizations allow mountain bikes in certain classes. Some allow mountain bikes in all the classes (but you will be slower than the 'cross bikes). If you're local group allows that, then put the SKINNIEST tires you can on your mountain bike and go have some fun! I usually ran 1.8 on the mountain bike during 'cross season.

The thing about a dedicated 'cross bike is that you find it becomes your general all-around-grab-it-anytime all-purpose bike. So if 'cross turns out to be fun, I'd definately spend the money for a good bike. I ride the cross bike more than any of the other bikes. It's slower than my road bike on pavement (but MUCH faster than my mountain bike), and is rideable on most of the off-road trails I enjoy. It's not good on real technical rock gardens and rides too harshly for a 24 hour mountain bike race. Otherwise, a 'cross bike is a jack of all trades, and master of the cyclocross course.

Frame material? Aluminum or steel compromise almost all of what is commercially available right now for cross bikes. If you can afford a good light steel bike, that's the way I would go. That said, mine is aluminum and nearly all of my buddies (save one) are on aluminum bikes. The subtle nuances of frame material are pretty much lost when you are skidding across mud and throwing the bike over your shoulder. Go for light weight, frame clerance, fit, and geometry.

angela