Cyclocross Bike Fit

Thought I would try some CX this year and found this article in VeloNews online.  I never knew how to size a CX bike, my last one was basically a glorified modified commuter that I took off-road.

VeloNews Training Center: How should a cyclocross bike fit?

By Sean Madsen, Boulder Center for Sports Medicine • Updated: Aug 26th 2010 8:11 AM EDT

Editor's note: This is the first of a new feature on VeloNews.com: VeloNews Training Center. Training Center columns and question-and-answer articles are being produced with the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, one of the nation's premier sports medicine centers, which works with many top cyclists, including Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck, Fabian Cancellara and Taylor Phinney.

Q: Dear VeloNews Training Center:

I've been racing road bikes for about three years now. With cyclocross season coming up, I am thinking of giving it a try and wanted to ask about fit. Some say that a cross bike should typically be slightly smaller than a road bike—I ride a 56cm road bike; does that mean I should be on a 54cm cross bike?

A: Cyclocross is a disciple of cycling that puts great demands on the rider and equipment. Proper bike positioning is crucial in allowing the rider to deliver the necessary power to the pedals and be able to handle the bike in the various terrain.

There are differences between a cyclocross position and a road position. Obviously the different conditions, surfaces, and duration of the race play a factor in the positioning, but also as important are the different shoes, pedals, and saddle choice.

Read on here.