{"id":18267,"title":"CX Rider's Dream","description":"It's mud that makes cyclocross so special but when it sticks to your bike it can become a real pain. We test products to prevent mud from building up. We've got a winner but what is it?","content":"

Published in<\/strong>: CYCLOCROSS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

It's mud that makes cyclocross so special but when it sticks to your bike it becomes a real pain. We test products to prevent mud from building up. We've got a winner but what is it?\"\"
Cyclocross riders have a love-hate relationship with mud. Most love riding in it. They relish the thrill when their bike squirms and slides underneath them. That feeling of exhilaration when you overcome a particularly treacherous section of slippery off-camber.<\/p>

But mud clings<\/h3>

But mud clings to bikes and chains and gears. Before long your once pristine racer is festooned with what seems like half the course. Its weight increases considerably. Where once you could throw it onto your shoulder, now you can barely lift it.\"\"
Cyclocross and mud. It's a fact of life.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

And there\u2019s worse. You push on through the slippery deep, swallow you down mud with all your might. Then bang, the gear mechanism explodes into the rear wheel taking the hanger with it. You start wondering if you\u2019ve chosen the right sport.<\/p>

Every cross rider's dream<\/h3>

Imagine a cyclocross bike that never gets grubby and which repels the worst slime that nature can produce. It\u2019s every cross rider\u2019s dream. It\u2019s a question I\u2019ve asked myself. How do I stop my bike from getting muddy?<\/p>

Over the years I\u2019ve experimented with various compounds to minimise frame clogging. It was time to put them to a scientific test to see which, if any, would provide me with a competitive advantage.<\/p>

I imagine that similar issues exist for gravel and mountain bike races. But from what I've seen it\u2019s cyclocross that suffers the most from mud. The reality is, if you don't like getting muddy, don't take up cyclocross.\"\"
The bikes under test<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

I\u2019m conscious that the paint finish of a frame could have an impact on its mud shedding capabilities. Fortunately, I have two near-identical Ridley frames but with very different finishes. My original blue Ridley has a traditional glossy type finish. Whilst my gunmetal grey frame has a matt finish. I'd always assumed the latter would perform better.<\/p>

The contenders<\/h3>

I decided to test the four main products I've previously used on my frames and experiment with combinations of them.\"\"
The contenders for Champion Mud Shedder<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Simoniz Original Wax<\/h3>

A car polish that contains \u2018Natural Carnauba\u2019. Cost approximately \u00a38 per tin. Carnauba is known as the Queen of Waxes and was, according to Wikipedia, used on the hulls of speedboats in the 1960s.<\/p>

AutoGlym Extra Gloss Protection<\/h3>

According to the sales literature it \u201c \u2026 is a durable paintwork sealant with a water repellant that can last up to several months. Once your car has been protected it is much easier to keep clean and stay maintained as any new dirt will just wash away.\u201d It\u2019s applied after waxing the surface. Cost approximately \u00a310 per bottle.<\/p>

Morgan Blue Clean & Protect<\/h3>

Morgan Blue is based in the heart of cyclocross country at Jabbeke, near Brugge. They claim that \u201cClean and Protect has been especially developed for MTB and Cyclo Cross bikes on a sandy and muddy track. Spray onto the frame and the mud and sand won't stick.\u201d Cost approximately \u00a314 per bottle.<\/p>

Rain X Rain Repellent<\/h3>

I\u2019ve seen this used both in the UK and by Belgian cyclocross teams. More sales talk: \u201cSimply apply the treatment to exterior glass and watch the raindrops fly off your windscreen while driving along.\u201d Cost approximately \u00a35 per bottle.<\/p>

Preparation<\/h3>

That\u2019s the contenders. Now to put them to the test. First I prepared both frames by washing them. Then to remove any residual products or grease, I applied Acetone.\"\"Preparing the frames<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Next, I taped off sections of the downtube and applied the following:<\/p>