You don't need to gear up - but, of course, many riders do (The Sacramento Bee)

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Cyclists considering competing in a cyclocross event don't need a special bike. Most mountain bikes, unless they have forward-facing handlebars, suffice - at least for beginners.

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/search/cyclocross/SIG=12a517a95/*http%3A//www.sacbee.com/content/lifestyle/story/13641139p-14483492c.html