Cyclocross

Cyclocross bikes are real specialists for mud and dirt! Although fall and winter are considered the “official” season of cross-country racing, these particular bikes are great for year-round training. Visually similar to racing bikes, cyclocross bikes impress with their reliability and propulsion. Designed for off-road use, the structure is particularly stable. The frame and fork, like the built-in parts, are extremely robust and lightweight. The geometry is specially designed for off-road and therefore allows you to drive very aggressively. Agility and good handling are essential in off-road cycling! The wide tires with knobby tread ensure the best grip and perfect traction on slushy mud tracks. Disc brakes ensure perfect deceleration in any weather conditions.

Differences from other types of bikes – especially gravel bikes

The history of cross-country racing goes back a long way. At the beginning of the 20th century, racing cyclists expanded their training with special off-road units. A development that created a completely new division. Even today, cyclocross bikes are still built with one fundamental characteristic in mind: racing and ultimately winning! This is the big difference to modern gravel bikes. As a further development of endurance racing bikes, gravel bikes are designed more for touring and use on gravel. The seating position is usually more comfortable, the tires are often wider and have fewer studs. Cyclocross bikes, on the other hand, are designed for fast cross-country races; the seating position is very sporty and therefore supports a more aggressive riding style.

Even if cyclocross bikes with the typical racing bike handlebars are visually reminiscent of a racing bike, the paths are completely different here. The geometry of the frame cannot be compared to that of a racing bike. Like the fork, the CX frame must also have more tire clearance because of the wider tires. Enormous differences can also be seen in the components installed. Modern disc brakes, which have long been a standard in cyclocross, are only slowly becoming established in racing bikes. The use of a single chainring is also characteristic of many cross-country bicycles. The cyclocross bike shows its strengths on fast paths that can also be very muddy. Even mountain bikes have no chance here!

The perfect equipment for a cyclocross bike

Off-road cycling places special demands on the rider and the material. Like mountain bikes, cross-country bikes also come with disc brakes as standard. The advantages of this type of brake are obvious: perfect and consistent deceleration regardless of external conditions. You can choose between mechanical or hydraulic systems. The inexpensive, mechanical disc brakes are operated by train; the hydraulic version uses oil. The advantage of hydraulic disc brakes is even better control with less manual effort. Routing the cables inside the frame and fork ensures greater protection for the cables, while at the same time preventing annoying rattling. Thru axles, in turn, increase rigidity and thus ensure even more efficiency and power transmission.

Material and weight: the differences

Stiffness, stability and low weight naturally also play a very important role in cross-country racing. Either high-quality aluminum or carbon is used in the construction of the frame. The manufacturers use different technologies. However, steel is not an alternative due to its high weight. Most cyclocross bikes have a full carbon fork - regardless of whether the frame is made of aluminum or carbon. Of course, carbon has a huge advantage over aluminum: less weight. However, the elaborately manufactured carbon fiber frames are also more expensive. As a passionate racer with competitive ambitions, you certainly won't be able to ignore the carbon frame; aluminum frames are also ideal for training and recreation. Modern alloys enable low weight with maximum stability.

Suitable equipment and accessories for cyclocross

Various frames offer the option of mounting a mudguard and luggage rack. You can also convert the cyclocross into a touring bike for bikepacking. Various components from our shop allow you to customize the bike - be it for reasons of driving dynamics or appearance. At Liquid-Life you will also find a large selection of specific cycling clothing. Jersey, jacket and pants should be cut rather narrowly for reasons of aerodynamics and freedom of movement. Casual, wide-cut shorts from the MTB Enduro or Freeride range are less suitable, as they tend to get caught on the end of the handlebars when you're riding. We also have special winter shoes with a click system for you for training in winter. A bike computer is essential for effective training. There are different models to choose from with a wide range of functions. The evaluation via app or on your home PC enables you to have individual training with maximum success.

The big cyclocross brands in the Liquid-Life brand shop

In the Trek brand shop you will find a large selection of bikes with top riding characteristics that were built for one purpose only: achieve best times in the most adverse conditions! The cyclocross bikes in the Trek Boone model series were developed in collaboration with professional riders such as world champion Sven Nys and US champion Katie Compton. The extremely light frame made of 600 Series OCLV Carbon is a technical masterpiece and impresses with maximum performance. Equipped with 1x11 drive and hydraulic disc brakes, neither mud nor obstacles can stop you with the Trek Boone. No wonder that the Telenet-Fidea Lions professional team is also traveling with the Trek Boone! The Trek Crockett was also practically born on the racetrack with a lightweight frame made of 300 Series Alpha aluminum. The Stranglehold dropout allows you to fine-tune the geometry or convert to single speed. Complete with first-class parts and technology from CX racing, a reliable bike for competitions and adventures.

With the Cross Race series, the Bavarian brand Cube offers a very wide range of high-quality cyclocross bikes. A wide variety of designs and equipment packages ensure a bike that suits you perfectly. The absolute top models of the Cross Race series are based on an exclusive C:62 carbon frame. The incredibly low weight of the frames is the result of constant further development of HPC carbon fiber technology. With a fiber content of 62% and the innovative Advanced Twin Mold construction, frames can be built that set standards. In addition to C:62 Carbon in the high-end range, Cube also uses high-performance aluminum when building the frame. Thanks to special alloys and thermal treatment, the aluminum frames leave nothing to be desired in terms of strength, stability and weight. On both the carbon and aluminum frames, the cables are of course routed inside for protection. Only parts suitable for racing are installed, which guarantee you maximum performance.

There is one name behind the success of the Focus CX bikes: Mike Kluge. The founder of the brand won the German Cyclocross Championship several times and the World Championship three times. Let's make it short: In Germany there is no way around Mike Kluge in cross-country racing! The brand's deep roots in the field of cyclocross are reflected in a very impressive way by the Focus Mares, which has no less than 25 years of experience. The heart of the Mares is a lightweight carbon or aluminum frame, depending on your requirements. All models are equipped with a full carbon fork, which ensures steering precision and stiffness in all racing situations. The well thought-out design, optimized for racing, is even evident in the thru-axles: The patented Focus RAT allows you to change wheels in just a few seconds. It really doesn't get any faster! All models in the Mares series naturally come with disc brakes. If you want to build your own bike individually, then the Mares frameset is recommended. Even everyday cyclists get their money's worth with the Mares: The Mares AL Commuter with a sturdy aluminum frame has mudguards and a luggage rack mount as standard.

Santa Cruz Stigmata

The American bicycle manufacturer Santa Cruz from sunny California also makes the hearts of off-road cycling fans beat faster with the Stigmata. The cross bike for mountain bikers feels just as comfortable on gravel roads as it does off-road. With a tire width of up to 41 millimeters, the Stigmata can be perfectly adapted to your requirements. Race or tour, with this CX bike you have the choice without having to limit yourself! The superbly crafted CC Carbon frame is evidence of the developers' ambition to create one of the best bikes in the world. Features of the Stigmata include internal cable and hose routing, full carbon dropouts and disk mounts. Of course, the fascinating CX bike is compatible with electronic gears. There are three models with different equipment packages to choose from in the Santa Cruz brand shop.