Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
A descent down a technical, rocky and/or rooted single-track on a typical Cyclocross bike is eventually not going to end well.
The Salsa Fargo or Cutthroat with 2 inch, or wider tires and a dropper seatpost could be finessed, but it's still not the right tool for the job.
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Barrettscv makes a very wise post and the OP would do well to listen.
I agree 100%. A bike without suspension is not going to do well on trails that are rocky or heavily rooted. The rider will always struggle and wide tires, lower pressure and compliant seat posts can only do so much.
Manufacturers show photos of gravel bikes, CX and MX bikes on gnarly trails and use marketing terms like "Do it all" but they are not telling the truth.
If you want to ride rocky and rooted trails and like mountain bike geometry then get a mountain bike with a proper suspension.
-Tim-