If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is a video worth? When it comes to a well-made sports instructional program like Cycle-Smart's Solutions for Cyclo-Cross, the question ends up being irrelevant, because the video does what mere text and pictures simply can't do... no matter how many thousands of words are used in the process.

If you're interested in the sport of cyclo-cross, you probably already know what it is: cross-country racing with road-style bikes, involving running and carrying the bike over hurdles as well as riding the bike on off-road terrain of all types. (And if you didn't know what cyclo-cross is, now you do.) It's a favorite off-season cycling sport for many road racers, as cyclo-cross races are typically held in the fall and winter. But riding cyclo-cross is more than just outfitting your road bike with some cross tires and heading for the local course; if you don't know the proper techniques for jumping on and off your bike, as well as lifting your bike over hurdles and carrying it up hills or over highly technical spots, you'll end up watching the pack race away from you... if you're not face-down in the mud after tripping over your bike, that is.

That's where Solutions for Cyclo-Cross comes in. It's a short program, running just a tad over half an hour, but it's packed full of information that will be extremely useful for both the novice and the more experienced cyclo-cross rider. The program is presented by cyclo-cross racer and coach Adam Hodges Myerson, with the collaboration of several other Cycle-Smart rider/coaches. Within just a few minutes of popping this DVD into my player, I immediately realized two things:

1. These guys really know what they're talking about.

2. These guys really know how to explain what they know.

As a teacher and coach myself (though for fencing, not cycling) I know that there's an enormous difference between just knowing how to do something well, and actually being able to explain how to do it. Solutions for Cyclo-Cross succeeds on both counts, and is simply one of the best instructional DVDs that I've had the pleasure of reviewing.

Myerson starts out by outlining the concepts he'll explain in the program: mounting, dismounting, lifting, and carrying. The program then goes on to cover each of these sections in detail, with ample use of video clips to illustrate every point. Different variations on each technique are shown, with a clear explanation of when you would use each approach. Each technique is carefully broken down into its component parts, with every detail down to hand position carefully explained and shown from multiple angles. I was particularly impressed with the use of split-screens, still photos, and slow-motion visuals: these are used with a clear illustrative purpose, not just for the visual appeal as they are in some instructional videos. The video clips of correct and incorrect technique are the keystone of the program: with Myerson's voiceover explaining what to look for, we can clearly see what works and what doesn't, in both staged clips and actual race footage. I also liked that the clips are edited tightly to focus just on the essential moment, and then shown several times in quick succession; this allows the viewer to get a lot more out of the clip than if it were just shown once.

It's evident that a lot of thought has gone into how to explain these techniques properly. For instance, at first I was surprised to see that the "mounting" section started off by showing two common mistakes, rather than starting with the correct technique. However, this approach ended up working nicely: by the time Myerson presents the right way to do it, we can immediately see why it's better than the other two methods. The "why" aspect, in fact, is handled well across the board: whenever Myerson explains a technique, he not only explains how to do it, but also why it's important to do it that way. That's an essential element, as it allows the viewer to grasp the concept rather than merely mimic the action. Myerson also does a great job of presenting alternatives whenever it makes sense to do so, such as showing several different ways to lift the bike. As a result, viewers can walk away from the program with several different approaches to try in order to find the method that works best for them.

Solutions for Cyclo-Cross may be a low-budget presentation (as is most visible in the audio/video aspects of the disc) but it's completely professional in terms of content. What's presented here can't be explained in a book or magazine: it can only be shown, and the program does a fabulous job of explaining it in a clear, engaging, and interesting manner. Why not a full five stars? I'd only wish for Solutions for Cyclo-Cross to be a bit longer, covering more aspects of cyclo-cross.

The DVD

Solutions for Cyclo-Cross is packaged in a jewel case with an attractive cover.

Video

Solutions for Cyclo-Cross appears mostly in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio (though a few clips look matted for widescreen). It's clean and presentable, though rather soft.

Audio

I really liked Solutions for Cyclo-Cross, but I have to admit that the audio is pretty terrible. The soundtrack alternates between being flat and muffled-sounding in some shots and harsh and tinny in others, with the volume falling and rising depending on the segment being shown. The information comes across, but it's certainly a disconcerting listening experience.

Extras

At the end of the main program, there's a three-minute promotional piece for the Cycle-Smart cyclo-cross camps.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in cyclo-cross, you must buy this DVD. It's that simple. Beautifully explained, clearly presented, and jam-packed full of useful technical advice and tips from experienced racers and coaches, Solutions for Cyclo-Cross is a triumph of sports instruction. Even with the low-budget presentation and the decidedly lackluster soundtrack, there's simply no way around it: this is something that all cyclo-cross riders will want to own, whether they're beginners or already competitive racers. Highly recommended.