first time cyclocrosser

ok, so i'm looking for something to keep me in-shape during the winter and it turns out that the uk has a very active cyclocross circuit with many different divisions. i've never raced bikes at any level whatsoever, but cyclo interests me b/c it's not as monotonous as road riding and not as technical as mtb-ing, etc.

i'm keep in good condition for the most part, but expect to suffer pretty badly in these things. as for other skills, i'm going to have to practice a lot of handling as well as quickly getting on and off. what can i do to improve???

as for equipment, i'm figuring on going used and probably with a really cheap groupset like sora or xenon so that it's cheap to replace broken bits. should i just look for a used steel frame? because i'm such a JONG at this, i know that my improvement in my skills and fitness will make a much bigger difference than high tech stuff. off the wall, what about just ditching it all and going SS so that there's far less things to break, and it's lighter/cheaper?

edit- and for pedals???

Right on, Utly!

Have you checked out these local clubs?

Wessex CX
London CX

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cyclo interests me b/c it's not as monotonous as road riding and not as technical as mtb-ing, etc.

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Oh, 'cross be plenny technical! In many ways, even more so than mtb-ing, IMHO, because you need more finesse due to tight courses and not having any suspension.

I've heard the UK circuit is perfect for starter racing, actually -- lots of class divisions, as you say. The Three Peaks race is supposed to be pretty cool. Lots of grassroots 'cross across the channel as well (it pairs well with Belgian mud and Trappiste beer) so it should be pretty easy to tap the local underground and find used 'cross bikes and tips.

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i'm keep in good condition for the most part, but expect to suffer pretty badly in these things. as for other skills, i'm going to have to practice a lot of handling as well as quickly getting on and off. what can i do to improve???

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Practice dismounts and remounts. Uphill, downhill, fast, slow, on sandy surfaces while turning & braking, etc.

Get this book, too:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/18...CMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
(linked pic)

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as for equipment, i'm figuring on going used and probably with a really cheap groupset like sora or xenon so that it's cheap to replace broken bits. should i just look for a used steel frame? because i'm such a JONG at this, i know that my improvement in my skills and fitness will make a much bigger difference than high tech stuff. off the wall, what about just ditching it all and going SS so that there's far less things to break, and it's lighter/cheaper?

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Yep, any good steel bike with clearance for 28c-35c knobbies and which is set up for cantis (or discs, if you go custom and spend the $) will be perfect. Stay away from those lugged aluminum Alans -- lots of those around but they fall apart FAST.

Might also considering swapping the brakes so that the left lever activates the rear brake (makes dismounts easier -- you can modulate your speed with one hand as you approach the runup zone). You can also add some top bar levers like these but it's not really necessary.

Sora, Tiagra, Veloce, etc., are all perfect for mud abuse in cross as everything gets beat to shit pretty quickly -- no point in using the gold-plated 50th Anniversary Super Record for that. Older 8-speed Dura Ace and Ultegra are great too, and some folks I know swear that they are superior to the newer gruppos because the wider spacing doesn't mis-shift from mud jammage as often. Or so they say. (Personally, I run an old Ultegra/105 8-speed rear (13-28 ratios) with a single 42 ring up front).

There are a bunch of other minor setup details, but mud and tire clearance and braking are the two biggies.

In summary, yeah, you can make any old 'cross bike work, but I would start new with a cheap Redline or LeMond Poprad or equivalent, as that way you won't have to worry about your equipment while you learn the riding skills part. You can find last year's models for about $900 in the States, as a new complete bike with Sora or Tiagra. Not sure what shipping to the UK would be, tho, but mebbe doing so would get around the VAT -- which is what, 19%?)

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edit- and for pedals???

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Time ATAC! 'Nuff said. Though any double sided MTB pedal will work fine, and I hear the new Crank Bros platforms are supposed to be pretty good, too. Do get MTB shoes with the soccer toe cleats so you can run uphill in the mud.

Have fun...