Product Reviews: An International Cowbell Shootout

August 5th, 2010   Filed Under Issue 3, reviews  

A flurry of cowbells! Illustration © Sean Horita

A flurry of cowbells! Illustration © Sean Horita

Here’s an article from way back in Issue 3 of our print magazine. It’s been a while since we delved into the world of cowbells, but it’s high time that this popular article resurfaces. As you cobble together the various accoutrements to make this the best cyclocross season ever, don’t forget to add a healthy dose of quality cowbell! You can still buy Issue 3 from our print archives in its entirety, or why don’t you just go ahead and subscribe already?

by Hector Finely

The real effort for true cyclocross enthusiasts occurs as a spectator, burning more calories and getting muddier as a course-running, racer heckling, grill-mastering, cowbell-ringing super fan.

If you’re serious about being an A-class fan, or at least hoping to not look like a Fred, you need to be equipped for success. And no, your quiver of 15-pound bikes, Dugast-equipped carbon back-up wheels, begging-to-be-worn-without-a-helmet Rapha knickers, and $20-an-ounce-imported embrocation won’t help you here. If you really wanna look like a pro, you gotta have a cowbell.

But don’t go thinking any cowbell will cut it. …continue reading: Product Reviews: An International Cowbell Shootout

Training for Cyclocross – Pre-Season Training Plans

May 3rd, 2009   Filed Under Issue 3, training and technique  

Whether you’re racing road or mountain or sitting on the couch waiting for ‘cross, it’s never too early to start planning your training for this season. We’re here to help. In this series of four articles, USAC Level 2 coach Mike Birner will guide your training through a successful cyclocross season. This is Part I, originally published in our Issue 3. Part II was in Issue 4 and online, and Part III was published exclusively online in Fall ‘08, and part IV was published in Issue 5 and online in January.

by Michael Birner

Building a Base: June through September

Since its inception, cyclists have used cyclocross as a means of maintaining their fitness through the off-season until their primary racing season returned. For some that is still the case, but more and more riders each year are deciding to make the cyclocross season their primary focus. If you are reading this magazine or website in the warmer months it’s likely that …continue reading: Training for Cyclocross – Pre-Season Training Plans

Going Tubeless in Cyclocross – Part II

March 9th, 2009   Filed Under Issue 3, cyclocross tech  

In our Part II of our series on riding tubeless tires for cyclocross, you’ll learn how to convert your current wheels for tubeless, install sealant, and mount and inflate a tire. …continue reading: Going Tubeless in Cyclocross – Part II

Going Tubeless in Cyclocross – Part I

March 7th, 2009   Filed Under Issue 3, cyclocross tech  

It’s officially the off season (unless you’re racing Colorado’s Cult Cross series), and now’s the perfect time to experiment with your equipment and make upgrades before next season. And with the tough economic times, perhaps the tubular funds are smaller this year. It could be the time to try tubeless.

Here’s Part I of our tubeless primer, by Josh Patterson from our sold-out Issue 3. …continue reading: Going Tubeless in Cyclocross – Part I