i know it’s the summer, but my first cyclocross bike has just arrived, and a lot of the questions i’ve been pondering need some answerin’
i am a weather weenie, and following tom demerly’s advice, i wear tights at even moderate temps. however, it seems that everyone who races 'cross uses embrocation oil to warm up the knees and then races bare-legged. last 'cross season i raced in tights (on a mtb), and while i did occassionally have a problem with the tights getting pulled awkwardly during a remount, this was reasonably rare
is there any convincing reason for me to not race in tights? conversely, is there any convincing reason for me to not race with embrocation?
you’ll either quickly get over being a weather weenie or quickly decide you don’t like cyclocross. mud covered skin is better than mud soaked tights. you could go half way and wear knickers.
I’m sometimes the only one on road rides with tights, but the speeds in a cross race are so much slower, you should be able to handle 10 to 15 degrees colder without the tights. Last race is end of Nov., (you’re talkin Lake Effect series, right) shouldn’t be too cold by then, I hope. Did you see the MTB race in Penninsula Aug 28th? Link below.
Tights? Over shorts? I always use knee warmers. Tights always start sliding down your shorts. Usually tights or clothes will get caught up on stuff that skin will slide right off of.
is there any convincing reason for me to not race in tights?
I haven’t found one yet. Maybe if it’s really muddy? The Wisconsin CX series has been mud-free for the past two years, unfortunately.
conversely, is there any convincing reason for me to not race with embrocation?
I’ve never used it, but can tell you how to use it: 1) apply to legs. 2) tell everyone standing next to you at the starting line that you have on embrocation.
If you can use it and keep you mouth shut, I say give it a try.
I was thinking that embrocation is what you do when you smash your balls during a less than perfect mount. Now that I have been educated, I can tell you that muddy wet tights are a pain, and harder to keep from getting caught on the seat as the race wears on. I have seen tights get caught on an assortment of other things, on and off the bike. In the category of reasons why you should embrocate: it is easier to clean crap off your legs when the oil is applied prior. What you do with the towel is your business. It looks cool too. I honestly have no idea about any other reasons, and none of this is based on scientific research. I have raced 'cross in all kinds of weather, and have always used oil on the legs when the temp was a little nipply. I have raced in all kinds of precip, and can never remember doing a cross race where the thought “wow, it’s cold” crossed my mind. A few times it was snowing, never really a problem, except when it fouls up the brakes and drivetrain. I guess if it was 12 degrees or something I might break down and put on…no friggin way, I wouldn’t get out of bed!