UNi in a cyclocross bike race

[UNIROX]

There's a series of Cyclocross event in my area this winter and I'm keen to give it a go. The organizers have given me the nod that its OK to enter on my uni.

Now I have a question: what tyre/crank set up should I use? Obviously this is not like the technical muni I normally do out at the MTB park so would a high roller with 150's be overkill on my 26"? At the moment I have a kenda block8 tyre with 137's on my wheel and really like this setup for the tame offroad I'm doing at the moment (grass/gravel/hardpack/hills) but would it do for cyclocross?

[ImFalling]

I did a cyclocross race on the weekend with a stock KH29, 40psi WTB stout, 150mm crank. I'm a noob, but it was mostly flat and there was minimal water on the track, bits of grass and some woodchips/mulch.

What you're asking really depends on the terrain. Cyclocross courses will vary greatly in difficulty. If you can, get out to the course and have a look so you can make a better educated guess. I you can't, ask the organisers about the looseness of the surface and gradients involved.

[unigoat]

As stated, the terrain varies wildly.

I've done several on the uni. The 36er is the most fun, but also is dependent on it not being too muddy. When it gets to that stage I grab the 29er. 150s so far on both.

The big thing to keep in mind is to stay out of the way of the bikes.

Cyclocross races typically mix road bicyclists and mountain bikers. Road cyclists can sometimes be a bit more uptight. Rightfully so when they've got a wheel that costs more than your wheel with a seat and cranks.

[UNIROX]

What sort of mount would be best...I know that cyclo cross racers jump mount their bikes...is there a unicycling equivalent whereby you jump onto a moving unicycle? I don't mean a straight fwd jump mount...in my experience it takes a few moments to balance before riding off, so I'm looking for a dynamic mount.

[skilewis74]

rolling mount

[UNIROX]

Thanks for the video - I was more meaning something whereby you mount onto the uni while you are running along side it...

YouTube - ‪SoCalCross...

You can see it a few times in the vid...a slowish attempt at about 20seconds...

[Doug]

Unirox,

Your local event sounds great for a unicycle. Most organizers of events that size would love to have volunteers for the set up and tear down. I volunteer quite a bit at the local trail for runnning and b*ke events. I get to know some of the other people that the trails are shared with.

If you help with the course set up, you can get in a lot of pre-riding. Then you can decide if you want to enter the event. One advantage of pre-riding is that the other riders get to adjust to having you on the track. Some may be hesitant to ride on the same course if they think you are going to be doing some weird flying helicopter transition at each obstacle. If you are predictable and narrow on the track you should be welcome by all.