So my bike has been all built up, by yours truly, and is ready to roll. This was my first complete build from the frame up. The only thing I didn't do personally was install the headset. Something I still have yet to do. Bottom brackets and everything else don't phase me. Even doing internal cable routing is something I don't fear. Yea, I take much longer than a builder or bike tech, but knowing every piece on my bike has been laid by my own two hands is nice. It's a good accomplished feeling.
After getting a little help dialing in the front derailleur, I was ready to rip it. I set the bike up similar to my road bike, not quite as aggressive, but still rocking a -7 degree stem. So I went to take it out to do some off roading and see how it handled.
Despite having to work at 9:45, I was up early and at a local park that was hosting a cyclocross race the next day. I got the the park as the frost was starting to melt and the air was still crisp and cold. A perfect way to break in the bike.
Every Wednesday evening, a bunch of people in the area go out to the park and do cyclocross practice, so I could see where people had been riding and it gave me a good path to follow. I spent a little bit of time in the parking lot, getting ready and feeling out any kinks in the bike. I wasn't sure what to expect once I hit the grass.
I first headed up the hill away from the lot and got started. The bike definitely climbed better than a mountain bike, it still felt like a road bike, but just didn't have the get up and go like I am used to on the roads. Something I would have to adjust to.
After that, I headed into some descending. Right after heading up the hill, I was headed right back down towards a few turnoffs. A couple had 'no bicycles' signs so I tried to stay on path. The last thing I like to do is give cyclists a bad name, so I stayed where I knew I was ok riding, I think.
Coming down that first hill, unsure of my bike was a bit unnerving. The wind rushing past me and getting some good speed going I was a little scared, but I just let it fly. Having the disc brakes gave me a little more confidence as I headed into the first turn. I was able to slow down quickly and hit the first turn under control, and actually pretty slow.
I knew this would take some getting used to, but my tire pressure and control are two things I need lots of work on. Most of what I have heard is running 30psi or lower depending on the course and conditions is a good place to start. I was a little over 30 and felt ok. I am like most people and think that higher pressure means faster, but I quickly learned that to have confidence in a tight turning sport like cyclocross, running lower pressure is better to handle the corners more so than the straights.
I spent a couple hours practicing my turns and feeling out the bike, closed up shop and headed home to get ready for work.
-Dave
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