Gravel Bike for CX

[mugef]

I'm planning to a race a local CX series on my gravel bike, I've never raced before but the organisers have said it's a great series for beginners and can be ridden on gravel bikes. However, are there any set-up tips to prepare my bike for CX?

It's an Orbea Terra H40, 38c Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres but also have a set of WTB Nanos for when the conditions get muddier. Will these choices do I should i get some more specific CX tyres?

[John Nettles]

Welcome to the ACA Forums. 

While I would love to help you, this Forum is more about touring than racing so the advice you get here will be limited.  I would suggest you check out the BikeForums.net group and look specifically at the Cyclocross/Gravelbiking sub-forum. 

Tailwinds, John

[ray b]

It's an Orbea Terra H40, 38c Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres but also have a set of WTB Nanos for when the conditions get muddier. Will these choices do I should i get some more specific CX tyres?

A great way to get started in racing. CYclocross is all about aerobic fitness, and would be a great test for any natural talent. If you can keep up with any of the riders who've done it before, you might have a furture.

That said, there's significant time throwing your bike around, and the lighter the better.

I agree with John, check out the racing fora - you might even find someone willing to lend you their old tires for a race.

[UncaBuddha]

Your tires should be fine and as a new guy you can probably ask what pressure others are running. Prepare to get your heart rate up near redline and hold it there! And go practice mounts and dismounts! Have fun!

[jimsh991]

I use my Whyte Glencoe for road duties, I have come from using a Specialized Allez.
It is marginally slower to accelerate but it makes up for this as soon as they is a rough patch in the road or a kerb or drain to ride over.
I have completed a 40 mile ride on it but nothing particularly impressive. The 1 x 11 does leave a little to be desired between cogs but for actual hill climbing it is fine as the big cog at the back takes up the slack missing with the smaller front cogs.
So if you are a casual road rider of these bikes then yes a CX or Gravel bike would be a good idea.

[LouMelini]

I have raced cyclocross since 2004. There was a time I was pretty good in the over 55 category (the oldest local category) but I am now 72 racing against youngsters. I plan on riding a gravel bike for the next race season. I will put on lighter wheels but mostly at this time of my life, I am there for the socialization. As you race more you will find tires that you like. As a beginner you will go crazy trying to micro-manage the choices. Depending on mud, sand, cold, steepness of hills, and twists and turns of each course, it seems each tire has its pros and cons. Not knowing where you are from, how much mud do you expect to encounter, and will running through the mud be a better option. Go race and learn what upgrades you need, but mostly enjoy.