Yeah, cyclocross is hard. But we think that's what makes it so appealing. Its combination of riding, running, mud, barriers, and hard, hard riding does wonders for your fitness and your bike handling skills. Plus, as hard as it is, it only lasts for an hour (or less) and that makes it bearable. (Man, we've done some awful cross country mountain bike races where the misery goes on for 2 or 3 hours!)

Cross is also pretty dang cool. Crossers and cross bikes have a lot of style. And a cross bike makes a great commuter and even a good road bike for when the conditions are poor. If we could only have one bike? It'd have to be a cross bike. Take it on less technical trails and embarrass your mountain bike friends by dropping them on the climbs. Put slicks on it and ride a century or commute to work.