I think GCN and Lasty are very classy in treating this man with great respect, and for honouring the fact that he is doing this entire video in a second language. Possibly even a third. Big ups!
Interesting to see what an ex-pro's choice in equipment is now without sponsor obligations. Manufacturers have been pushing for disc brakes in all areas of cycling & to see Sven choose cantis over disc is interesting.
For me, this video really confirmed Tom Last as GCNs resident authority on cyclocross content. Definitely he needs Matt's old red chair for retro tech in the old GCN show red couch days!
brace your hip against the saddle as you move your hand from the hoods to the top tube. It's not mentioned, but you can see Sven do this. Otherwise, it's very hard to balance without both hands on the bars. Was having a hard time learning last night before i realized this.
Look at the difference between Sven and Lasty through the barriers at the end of this video. Note how Sven picks up his bike and the saddle is to the outside of his shoulder where Lasty picks it up and the saddle goes into his arm pit. This is an important difference especially for smaller riders. Your bike will not clear the barrier if the gap between your saddle and your armpit is less than the height of the barrier. Always pick your bike up like Sven with the saddle outside your shoulder.
The skill not covered here is make sure you can pick your feet up far enough over the hurdles after almost an hour at threshold - I discovered how hard this can be a few weeks ago and nearly sent myself cartwheeling! :)
4:14 When he remount, he use his inner thigh first and slide an inch or two to the right position. The process is so smooth that even himself didn't notice it.
I like how he says "Click In" your pedals. It's got a nice ring to it. And I also thought he was going to Bunny Hop in the video but that didn't happen. :( Great video though.
The problem with cross bikes such as Cannondale CaadX is that the top tube (standover height) is so high. So it only makes sense to mount it using too much acrobatics, like in the move Sven jumping over the saddle. I actually had to go a size down in CaadX size in order to have a standover height useable for both road and off road.
Having started cyclocross this season this is helpful but carrying a bike on your shoulder when its as light as his is no problem but when its a heavier bike like mine its a bit different!
I love the way they mount the barrier completely in step, on the same foot. Was that an accident or did you do several runs at it until you achieved the choreographed look?!
I'm just wandering that due to the terrain of the course you guys may need to get off & on at the right side of your bike. Do you do take this practice yourself or not? Thanks.
ChristianXRdz2 channel they have. From two CX seasons ago if I'm not mistaken. But this time it is with Sven Nys! And also I am guessing that it is good for newer viewers who have not seen the previous videos....
Stéphane Jefe Müller you clearly have never cyclocrossed so please there's no point in the negativity. For some of us this was really helpful and coming from a legend in the sport just makes it more interesting.
narutoqweavatar yes! We use good MTB shoes and cleats! They have great soles for short runs and lugs for good grip! I'm actually fond of Shimano SPD and believe me, I've tried them all.... enjoy!