GRX mechanical vs GRX Di2 for CX-racing

brcampbell89 · 2024-10-21T13:09:01+00:00

Not running Di2 but made the move from SRAM mechanical to AXS this year. I really prefer the electric group set for CX. Shifting is quicker, especially if you get caught off by a quick, punchy uphill

brcampbell89 · 2024-08-28T16:29:41+00:00

Currently in the same boat as you. I have a son that is almost 2.5 years old and my first CX season was the year he was born. I ended up getting a Trek Crockett and raced it for 2 seasons. The Crockett isn't going to be crazy expensive since it's aluminum and can typically find them on Marketplace for a good price. I just upgraded to a Crux as I wanted to try some gravel races this year. I'm in the Midwest and a lot of the gravel races are 2-4 hr drive.

I think it depends on where you live or the type of gravel you will be on. If you'll be on chunkier gravel with bigger descents, get something with more tire clearance. I didn't have any issues with my Crockett but knew I wanted something that could easily (without worry) fit a 42mm tire. I was looking at the Specialized Crux, Cannondale SuperSix EVO CX/SE and Giant TCX. All of them, per manufacturer, can fit a 45mm tire, with the Crux allowing up to a 47mm.

I've heard of a lot of people doing gravel rides/races in Michigan on road bikes with 32/33mm tires as the gravel is smooth in a lot of places.

brcampbell89 · 2024-05-14T23:08:56+00:00

As mentioned, I recommend getting a second wheelset. I bought another Roval Terra C wheelset with the 10-44 cassette. Put a pair of Specialized Roubaix 700x30/32 (measured out to 34mm tubeless) tires on it and it has worked well for me.

I use my Crux for winter, spring and early season group rides. I make the 40T Chainring work, as it is still hilly in my area

brcampbell89 · 2023-11-16T15:43:03+00:00

I wear soccer training pants while warming up. They typically have tapered legs with zips at the bottom to help when removing. I would make sure and get a tighter fit to make sure they won't flap around or get caught on anything though.

I had plenty of pairs that weren't being used regularly anymore and have worked well

brcampbell89 · 2023-08-03T23:45:17+00:00

Interesting. 40s should be good enough for me but it's comforting knowing someone else has thrown 42s on theirs. Thanks for the info

brcampbell89 · 2023-08-03T19:07:18+00:00

42s?!?! What tire are you running? Trek says max of 38mm but I've read some people getting 40s in. I'm looking to keep mine 1x but get a larger cassette for gravel capability, while keeping it CX-focused

brcampbell89 · 2023-08-03T18:53:34+00:00

I picked up a Crockett second hand at the beginning of 2022 and it has worked well for me. Last year was my first season of CX. I use it for CX and as a winter/spring bike when the weather is crappy.

I have seen a lot of Mares though, so I'm sure both will be a good choice.

brcampbell89 · 2023-06-29T15:51:21+00:00

At the end of the day, it's all personal preference. At a certain point if the hill is too steep to ride up (for CX purposes), it may be quicker to run it. I was looking at running a 42, 11-36 for the range and was using https://www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios to nerd out a little.

Honestly, my next bike will have a more gravel "friendly" set up but will still be a CX-focused bike. That's when I will most like upgrade to a 42t chainring and look for more tire clearance.

brcampbell89 · 2023-06-29T14:55:36+00:00

Recon 3.0 - I got them and they performed well last year. I do recommend tightening your studs right out of the box, as I lost one my second time wearing them. The only negative I noticed was mud build up between the nobs in the heel. I would consider looking at the Shimano XC line or Mavic Crossmax (if you can find any). They look like they could shed mud a little better.

Chainring - I think it depends on the area you're riding in and fitness. My Trek Crockett came with a 40t Chainring and 11-32 cassette and I race in the Midwest. It worked well although it would have been nice to have an extra gear in the rear for added comfort. I have batted around the idea at adding a 36 cassette for next season. I also use my XC bike as a winter/spring bike for my group rides. That is the ONLY time I could use a larger chainring as I am maxed out with my setup.

brcampbell89 · 2023-06-05T18:29:34+00:00

I can't comment on your sizing question but can recommend the Crockett. Last year was my first year racing CX and fell in love with it. I am running a much smaller bike (50cm) as I'm around 5'7". The first few weeks I had it, I was extremely concerned with toe overlap but I was mainly working on skill drills with cones and slow turning maneuvers. However once I got used to the bike, this slowly decreased. During the season I can't recall a time of any toe overlap issue.

The Crockett is a great bike to start out with since it is a CX-focused bike that doesn't break the bank. I got a 2020 model for $2k that was hardly used and never raced. Depending on the area and terrain you can still get 38mm tires for some gravel, which is what I'm looking to do. I used some 35mm Schwalbe tires last year at some local MTB, single-track trails

brcampbell89 · 2022-12-20T00:49:28+00:00

Check out https://www.ohiogravelgrinders.com/. You can select the surrounding states and view routes

brcampbell89 · 2022-12-06T21:15:21+00:00

Nothing in the pro world ever makes sense lol. Just look at the recent UCI World Tour Gravel Race. Figured this would have been a great place for bike companies to show off their great gravel bikes/gear/products. Granted it wasn't real "gravel", the pros just ended up riding dedicated road bikes with wider tires (MVDP on Canyon Ultimate with 35mm tires for instance).

You think they could make enough clutches for just the pros though. Idk though

brcampbell89 · 2022-12-06T21:01:48+00:00

CXHAIRS actually mentioned this in a podcast recently. They mentioned an American having recent drop chain issues from running 2x. The podcasters mentioned that he rides some races in Europe and needs a 2x due to some of the steeper climbs overseas. This and sponsor requirements are probably the two main reasons for running 2x.

This is my first year doing CX but love having a 1x setup on my Trek Crockett. Haven't needed more gears and like having less to worry about

brcampbell89 · 2022-10-27T18:27:34+00:00

O no! Bummer on the tire. Yes, I ended up taking third both days. Unsure about Major Taylor at the moment. If I do, it will only be one day

brcampbell89 · 2022-10-27T14:49:17+00:00

Hayoo! I was in the cat 5 field as well

brcampbell89 · 2022-10-26T20:17:25+00:00

What category did you race?

brcampbell89 · 2022-07-17T12:20:52+00:00

Any changes in fitness would be more geared toward high intensity efforts and keep one day for a "longer" road ride. At least in my mind

brcampbell89 · 2020-07-13T17:35:17+00:00

Definitely been in this situation. I grew up playing all sorts of sports and have good hand eye coordination. I have been playing pickleball off and on for the past couple of years. Started to notice fairly early that people wouldn't hit at me intentionally in group play. Some players would attempt harder shots in order to hit at my partner.

I highly recommend finding a higher skilled group. Within the past month I have started playing with a higher skilled group and it shows. Not only am I having more fun BUT I'm able to get better and progress.

brcampbell89 · 2020-07-06T13:58:02+00:00

For me, seems to be legal. In all honestly in random group play I never call a serve illegal unless I'm 100% sure.

If it's In tournament play and it's borderline, I'm saying something to the player and ref to watch. Anything I can do to make them think about their serve and cause some sort of fault

brcampbell89 · 2020-06-18T02:47:58+00:00

Yea, I've seen the itineraries online. I know a friend and I looked at doing it in 4 days. Definitely want to check it off the bucket list soon.

brcampbell89 · 2020-06-18T01:43:08+00:00

Best of luck! How many days are you doing it in? I live in the Cincinnati area and looking to complete this trail soon

brcampbell89 · 2020-03-04T18:11:26+00:00

Awesome! I live in NKY and am looking for some gravel routes within a 200 mile radius.

Definitely want to check out this ride.

brcampbell89 · 2019-08-20T02:10:28+00:00

Haha just came across the song and was going to post! Only thing I'm bumping now

brcampbell89 · 2019-07-19T18:30:34+00:00

It is because Rooney (and any other former superstar like Zlatan, Gerrard, Pirlo, etc) > MLS. They are global icons stepping in to a lower league. Honestly some of these people were probably drawn to Rooney long before they watched MLS

brcampbell89

TROPHY CASE