RockiesDad

I took a quick ride with a couple of my friends with full suspension mountain bikes and me on my CX bike and was surprised that I was able to keep up with them on all the single track trails we were on. Granted, I did stop a few times on a super tight switchback and one steep hill but the rest was pretty easy. That was a lot of fun. I didn't go all out kamikaze downhill speeds due to no suspension and being +50 years old but I did keep up for the most part.

These are fun bikes and can do a lot more than riding gravel if the urge arises. You all should try it sometime...

RocThrower

I totally agree! I have access to some single track not too far from my house, and I used to ride those trails all the time on my mountain bike. Last year I started taking my gravel bike on those same trails, and was surprised how well that bike handled. These aren't very technical trails, but it's nice that I can still enjoy them even though I no longer own a mountain bike.

DosWheelsBtr

I've got some Singletrack too by where I live and the CX handles it like a champ. As you said when dealing with rocks/roots that is when problems arise. I am wanting to put some 40c on as it can take em.

egear

I ride the single track with friends all time over here in Patapsaco state park. More then an hour or so does make my hands hurt between thumb and hand. It will make you a better CX rider as well as MTN rider.

1242Vintage

I too take my CX bike out to play on single track and mountain bike trails often. Only real issue I have is on a big rock strewn descent on one of my favorite routes. Its about 800 foot elevation drop in less than a mile and bike has cantilever brakes. Hands get real numb from squeezing the brakes hard while navigating around the bigger rocks.

Next CX bike is going to have disc brakes for sure. Need a little better stopping power and problem solved.

P_M

I took my bike on some single track and it was a blast. I love having the ability to ride gravel and trails with CX.

A couple of weeks ago I went with a MTB friend. There was one point on a steep downhill where I hung onto the bars thinking "Uh oh..." but it was fun. I'm not a terribly technical rider but I used to do amateur MTB races and spent a lot of time on rooted trails. I wouldn't be up for that on CX to the extent (or some of the jump silliness we used to get up to). The majority of the trails I enjoy are packed dirt or gravel.

It's a bit like telemark skiing. Those blue runs start to feel like black diamonds when your heels are free.