I only have a full suspension mountain bike but I would imagine a rigid bike is pretty harsh on the down hills, I get slot of arm pump on my Camber never mind a Cycle cross bike 😀
stevesnailfishon June 29, 2019 at 9:19 pm
Just what I used my CX bike for earlier today……Made a pleasant change from using my 29er hardtail on my local trails/gravel/dirt etc around the north and west of Peterborough, England.
I agree with Clint on the fact that your core gets a workout….Put it this way, you know you’ve ridden trails on a CX….your arms takes up a set of suspension forks to soak up rooty and rocky sections….
Good video Clint
Geordo1960on June 29, 2019 at 9:20 pm
I know this is off topic but Clint I know you have experience in this: I have decided to pair down to riding my Trance 2 only as it does everything I need in a mountain bike . I have a 2017 Anthem 2 and 2017 Motobecane trail bike for sale. How do you sell your bicycles?
XC Painteron June 29, 2019 at 9:22 pm
I ride my older cann x7 cross on dirt bike trails, in mountanous terrain. I used to do hybrid rides where my buddy rode his dirtbike (xr200) and I rode my mtn or cross bike and we’d go all over. I would end up running or hiking up rocky dirtbike climbs as a good workout and conditioning for cross races.
Leekon June 29, 2019 at 9:23 pm
Riding on trails gets me moving my bodyweight around more and picking the best lines for traction.
Another thing to look out for is wildlife. Kangaroos, wombats, snakes, lizards, ant mounds… Lots to be wary of.
W Eggon June 29, 2019 at 9:24 pm
Clint you may not have this issue in the FL, but I am in Middle TN and a trail bike rider, any suggestions for cold weather(35-45 degree) riding gear (specifically legs and core) layering and best type clothes to layer with?
Nerd Unboxingon June 29, 2019 at 9:24 pm
In once saw a guy riding a unicycle down a steep trail. I laughed, and then realized he must be one of the offspring of Chuck Norris. In all seriousness; there was a guy riding a foooooooookaaaaaaan unicycle down a single track!!!! 🧐☠️
Prastton June 29, 2019 at 9:26 pm
What pressure do you use specifically? I usually race at around 23psi but races here are proper mud fests. My first time on a MTB trail I got a snake puncture in less than 10min. After that I pumped up to 60 psi but I don’t really know what a proper pressure should be
Paganiproductionson June 29, 2019 at 9:26 pm
many i am looking to convert my rigid singles speed hardtail to monstercross would that make sense i am want also to use my for commute to work if i don’t sell it
XC Painteron June 29, 2019 at 9:27 pm
Cross bikes are a blast on mountain bike trails because you can accelerate so fast and go faster than the bike can handle a lot of times.
Keefe Bordenon June 29, 2019 at 9:30 pm
I took a touring bike on some mountain bike trails near the house just to see how the bike handled off road. Gravel roads were fine, but trails full of roots and steep climbs and descents were very difficult. To be honest, it was not much fun. The bike stood up to the punishing terrain fairly well. I, however, did not. I won’t do it again on that bike. As you mentioned, there are times when a suspension is indispensible. The good news is I did not give up on the trails. I just bought a dedicated mountain bike, which is a joy to ride.
JB? bon June 29, 2019 at 9:30 pm
Would this damage a cyclocross bike?
Connie Backon June 29, 2019 at 9:31 pm
I have a TCX and I’m trying to figure out if it is okay to be riding it on some of the rougher trails near me and if my setup is adequate. Should I lower my seat on trails? Should I be clipped in to hop over tree roots? I’m currently using platform pedals.
ROBinJVILLEon June 29, 2019 at 9:31 pm
Do u not wear gloves Clint?
Neil Kon June 29, 2019 at 9:32 pm
I guess this works if all you can afford is one bicycle and you get the urge to see what riding trails is like, but I bet that the maintenance costs would become a factor. It’s hard to say what a good "jack of all trades" bike would be, but given that all I ride are hardtails (I won’t even say that my 3×9 even qualifies as a "mountain bike") and I’ve ridden on asphalt, gravel, dirt and even mud and I’ve enjoyed so I think I’ve found what works for me. YMMV.
Frank Mashon June 29, 2019 at 9:33 pm
I ride my gravel bike on singletrack and MTB trails. Done slow and methodical, it is fun and a challenge although you will get some strange looks. The one area that I find the most limiting and hard to get comfortable with is steep descents on loose rooted/rocky trails. On a properly fitted drop bar primarily used on the flat, it is hard to get back far and low enough to shift enough weight back to the rear, tilt your heels down and still maintain the required good grip in the hoods so you can still brake. This leads to the front being a little heavy and reducing the traction in the rear on a rear tire that probably doesn’t have much tread to begin with and the front brake on the verge of locking or kicking out at any time. Also drop bar is narrower reducing your torque so ruts and roots can move the bars around a little more and lack of suspension means you will be bouncing around reducing the braking even more. All add up to a wild ride down those hills. I find going back up those same hills more fun and less tumblesome. +1 on the pedal strikes too. You get used to what you can do and compensate easily on the flat and corners but on an uphill where stopping momentum is not an option, you just have to chance it.
Mark Ton June 29, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Wow, you’d go faster on that cross bike than I would on an MTB down a similar trail. Nice.
Michael Mooreon June 29, 2019 at 9:39 pm
I have a Trek crossrip 1, and I ride it on everything, group rides on the road and single track in the woods. All you really need to do is know your bikes limitations and ride accordingly.
Robert Trageseron June 29, 2019 at 9:41 pm
Just get out and ride. Ride trails on the bike you currently have! You dont need the latest and greatest to be a better rider. Just ride! Ive been doing it on road bikes for years before mtbs. Try fixed gear cx. Now THATS fun!
Bas Hartmanon June 29, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Great video Clint! Really nailed it here!
Ryan Kon June 29, 2019 at 9:42 pm
CX vs gravel tire choice depends on the surface. I used to get away with gravel tires when riding on mtb trails on my gravel bikes in Colorado Springs. I used Clement MSO and Kenda Flintridge. The knobs on both are pretty tightly packed and now that I’m in northern Michigan the gravel tires just don’t hook up as well. Any preferences on knobbier CX tires?
victor aranaon June 29, 2019 at 9:44 pm
After doing this a lot, I’ve found that bunny hops are just second nature now since I just do a small, swift hop over roots and rocks instead of the usual one wheel one wheel over so I don’t have to slow down. Lot of small things it helps you with that you don’t realize until you’re out racing cx one day.
Rejick Mukherjeeon June 29, 2019 at 9:46 pm
What is the tyre width on this one?
Larry Congeron June 29, 2019 at 9:48 pm
eMTBs are the things u need to be looking into, most of us work 40-60 hr weeks, Don’t be scared homey, every major bike company has them, even your Giant lol work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, pls encourage and entertain us with new tech also with your vast amounts of MTB knowledge.
The Gefsteron June 29, 2019 at 9:48 pm
Clint…. nice video…. Curious if you have had any wipeouts without going over the handlebars and scratched up anything on your bike… Just had my first wipeout on new gravel bike… Small scratch on shifter… Made me so mad! Any scratches on your bikes? LOL common and make me feel better!
QuebecClassicRockon June 29, 2019 at 9:50 pm
Thanks for the info mate, really useful. I’m about to buy a new bike and I just discovered the Gravel/Cross world. I think it fits perfectly my needs but it’s good to know that I cannot go in every trails I want.
Heather Rocklearon June 29, 2019 at 9:50 pm
Always love your videos!!
Velofilon June 29, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Handposition on the drops is great for climbing and in relatively smooth terrain, at least for my riding style. Great video as always!
The Gefsteron June 29, 2019 at 9:55 pm
By the way Cint… Glad you are ok…. and a secondary that your bike seems to be ok. Thanks for responding. Have you ever done a "How to crash" video or "Accident prevention" video specifically off road and looking yourself as well as your bike over. Thanks again
Grantland Gamsteron June 29, 2019 at 9:55 pm
I am running 50psi rear 47psi front on a 37c tire. I have run 33c, 37, 40c, and am now trying 38c tires. I find that if you go much above a 40c you start feeling like you have the resistance of a MTB I am hoping a high volume 38 is the answer. I run 4oz of Orange Endurance per tire and I have good luck. I always use the drops for almost every downhill (Soma Condor bars are ba) and I am on the hoods for climbing. The flats I change it up a lot so my hands stay fresh. I have a 6hr endurance mtb race this weekend and I will be racing my stigmata. I am faster on my CX in tight single track than I am my Jeffsy 140mm mtb.
Kerry Vincenton June 29, 2019 at 9:55 pm
Great vid Clint
INTP trackson June 29, 2019 at 9:56 pm
I have decided to buy specialized diverge a1 sport 2017.How do you rate it? Are there any alternatives? Is November month perfect for cycle purchasing especially during thanksgiving ? Your suggestions will be quite handy. Thank you
TheProjectX3on June 29, 2019 at 9:58 pm
I loved to ride marathon track on CX bike but it felt so harsh not for me but for the bike. However, I was only few minutes slower compared to MTB over an hour ride, riding like that gave me confidence. Probably because I’m not that great on tech sections so I wasn’t any slower on CX but was way faster on straights!
PHAMon June 29, 2019 at 9:59 pm
Hey Clint, loving those trails! Keep those videos coming! Anyway, I left a sub. Stay safe! All the best, Philipp from PHAM
LEvi Howardon June 29, 2019 at 10:00 pm
I never owned a cyclocross gravel bike
Michael McFaddenon June 29, 2019 at 10:00 pm
I took my CX bike on a pretty rough trail recently having never been on trails on ANYTHING before and it was terrifying – my feet were on the floor regularly! I need to work on my skills on easier terrain but will be on the trail again because it was also a lot of fun 🙂
drew Gilkeron June 29, 2019 at 10:02 pm
how about flat bars on cx i did it on my road bike
Yan Doroshenkoon June 29, 2019 at 10:02 pm
I don’t ride my cross or gravel bike on trails. Why? Because I don’t have a cross or gravel bike.
george websteron June 29, 2019 at 10:03 pm
Totally agree there is no bike that does it all.
Daniel Torres R.on June 29, 2019 at 10:07 pm
My last crash was going down in a slow and technical mountain. My front wheel (35 cm) bump into a big root that was going parallel to the path, therefore it was not a direct impact with the root, but a collision of the external face of my wheel into the border of root. Kind of hard but exiting, that’s why I keep going, but now, stronger.
Ryan Docenaon June 29, 2019 at 10:08 pm
yep! that is the reason why I have a mountain bike and a CX bike so you could do both disciplines full time. Great job man!
Mariusz Muszakon June 29, 2019 at 10:08 pm
The only bike I can ride is a road and cx bike. Any other bike different the the first ones are only toys. When riding mtb trails I feel well only on my cx bike
Tommi Kivimäkion June 29, 2019 at 10:08 pm
That’s so fun to do. It makes local trails more interesting and challenging to ride.
Tales from the Greenwayon June 29, 2019 at 10:10 pm
Great video, you’re very well spoken.
MtB ArNon June 29, 2019 at 10:10 pm
To destroy Stava leaderboards!
James Coyneon June 29, 2019 at 10:11 pm
Could be mistaken, but this looks like Santos.
Al Duarteon June 29, 2019 at 10:12 pm
Yes I do use My Cannondale Super X cantilever brakes on gravel rides; just use some 30mm Challenge Strata Bianca and bingo!
axxxxmanon June 29, 2019 at 10:13 pm
I dont have a cross bike but sometimes I pump up the tires and ride my mountain bike on paved trails. scares the hell out of people.
Michael Dennison June 29, 2019 at 10:16 pm
Funny one of the best all around bikes that no longer exists for the Northeast a cheap 26 in GT Palomoar with I think a 63 mm cheap fork. Similar bikes everyone says they suck. I hear suspension isn’t needed, its a hybrid worst of both worlds etc. All I can say is what I experienced, light enough, way more chuckable and playful than a 29er, light and small enough if you had to carry it in tight trails over obstacles etc.. Good compromise between extremes, but then again I’m used to riding local trails and going hey that looks like an old trail nobody has used for a few years lets explore, I hardly ever see anyone on them and this is in crowded Massachusetts. Sometimes they pan out sometimes they peter out to nothing and you turn back. This is why I am suspicious for gravel bikes in the northeast with all the roots and rocks, unless its mostly smooth no suspension at all leaves you kind of screwed if it gets very rough, sand, etc. They seems like bikes for roads and what you know are really just gravel roads, no deep sand or roots for only a very short distance. My sister and I used to find a lot of these gravel roads to train on for xcountry running in VT. But I do see gravel bikes as good because of all the pot holes cracks etc on the reg. roads too bad we have all the nutty drivers.
This video discusses riding a cyclocross or gravel bike on mountain bike trails. I discuss the benefits and give some tips for doing this.
I only have a full suspension mountain bike but I would imagine a rigid bike is pretty harsh on the down hills, I get slot of arm pump on my Camber never mind a Cycle cross bike 😀
Just what I used my CX bike for earlier today……Made a pleasant change from using my 29er hardtail on my local trails/gravel/dirt etc around the north and west of Peterborough, England.
I agree with Clint on the fact that your core gets a workout….Put it this way, you know you’ve ridden trails on a CX….your arms takes up a set of suspension forks to soak up rooty and rocky sections….
Good video Clint
I know this is off topic but Clint I know you have experience in this: I have decided to pair down to riding my Trance 2 only as it does everything I need in a mountain bike . I have a 2017 Anthem 2 and 2017 Motobecane trail bike for sale. How do you sell your bicycles?
I ride my older cann x7 cross on dirt bike trails, in mountanous terrain. I used to do hybrid rides where my buddy rode his dirtbike (xr200) and I rode my mtn or cross bike and we’d go all over. I would end up running or hiking up rocky dirtbike climbs as a good workout and conditioning for cross races.
Riding on trails gets me moving my bodyweight around more and picking the best lines for traction.
Another thing to look out for is wildlife. Kangaroos, wombats, snakes, lizards, ant mounds… Lots to be wary of.
Clint you may not have this issue in the FL, but I am in Middle TN and a trail bike rider, any suggestions for cold weather(35-45 degree) riding gear (specifically legs and core) layering and best type clothes to layer with?
In once saw a guy riding a unicycle down a steep trail. I laughed, and then realized he must be one of the offspring of Chuck Norris. In all seriousness; there was a guy riding a foooooooookaaaaaaan unicycle down a single track!!!! 🧐☠️
What pressure do you use specifically? I usually race at around 23psi but races here are proper mud fests. My first time on a MTB trail I got a snake puncture in less than 10min. After that I pumped up to 60 psi but I don’t really know what a proper pressure should be
many i am looking to convert my rigid singles speed hardtail to monstercross would that make sense i am want also to use my for commute to work if i don’t sell it
Cross bikes are a blast on mountain bike trails because you can accelerate so fast and go faster than the bike can handle a lot of times.
I took a touring bike on some mountain bike trails near the house just to see how the bike handled off road. Gravel roads were fine, but trails full of roots and steep climbs and descents were very difficult. To be honest, it was not much fun. The bike stood up to the punishing terrain fairly well. I, however, did not. I won’t do it again on that bike. As you mentioned, there are times when a suspension is indispensible. The good news is I did not give up on the trails. I just bought a dedicated mountain bike, which is a joy to ride.
Would this damage a cyclocross bike?
I have a TCX and I’m trying to figure out if it is okay to be riding it on some of the rougher trails near me and if my setup is adequate. Should I lower my seat on trails? Should I be clipped in to hop over tree roots? I’m currently using platform pedals.
Do u not wear gloves Clint?
I guess this works if all you can afford is one bicycle and you get the urge to see what riding trails is like, but I bet that the maintenance costs would become a factor. It’s hard to say what a good "jack of all trades" bike would be, but given that all I ride are hardtails (I won’t even say that my 3×9 even qualifies as a "mountain bike") and I’ve ridden on asphalt, gravel, dirt and even mud and I’ve enjoyed so I think I’ve found what works for me. YMMV.
I ride my gravel bike on singletrack and MTB trails. Done slow and methodical, it is fun and a challenge although you will get some strange looks. The one area that I find the most limiting and hard to get comfortable with is steep descents on loose rooted/rocky trails. On a properly fitted drop bar primarily used on the flat, it is hard to get back far and low enough to shift enough weight back to the rear, tilt your heels down and still maintain the required good grip in the hoods so you can still brake. This leads to the front being a little heavy and reducing the traction in the rear on a rear tire that probably doesn’t have much tread to begin with and the front brake on the verge of locking or kicking out at any time. Also drop bar is narrower reducing your torque so ruts and roots can move the bars around a little more and lack of suspension means you will be bouncing around reducing the braking even more. All add up to a wild ride down those hills. I find going back up those same hills more fun and less tumblesome. +1 on the pedal strikes too. You get used to what you can do and compensate easily on the flat and corners but on an uphill where stopping momentum is not an option, you just have to chance it.
Wow, you’d go faster on that cross bike than I would on an MTB down a similar trail. Nice.
I have a Trek crossrip 1, and I ride it on everything, group rides on the road and single track in the woods. All you really need to do is know your bikes limitations and ride accordingly.
Just get out and ride. Ride trails on the bike you currently have! You dont need the latest and greatest to be a better rider. Just ride! Ive been doing it on road bikes for years before mtbs. Try fixed gear cx. Now THATS fun!
Great video Clint! Really nailed it here!
CX vs gravel tire choice depends on the surface. I used to get away with gravel tires when riding on mtb trails on my gravel bikes in Colorado Springs. I used Clement MSO and Kenda Flintridge. The knobs on both are pretty tightly packed and now that I’m in northern Michigan the gravel tires just don’t hook up as well. Any preferences on knobbier CX tires?
After doing this a lot, I’ve found that bunny hops are just second nature now since I just do a small, swift hop over roots and rocks instead of the usual one wheel one wheel over so I don’t have to slow down. Lot of small things it helps you with that you don’t realize until you’re out racing cx one day.
What is the tyre width on this one?
eMTBs are the things u need to be looking into, most of us work 40-60 hr weeks, Don’t be scared homey, every major bike company has them, even your Giant lol work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, pls encourage and entertain us with new tech also with your vast amounts of MTB knowledge.
Clint…. nice video…. Curious if you have had any wipeouts without going over the handlebars and scratched up anything on your bike… Just had my first wipeout on new gravel bike… Small scratch on shifter… Made me so mad! Any scratches on your bikes? LOL common and make me feel better!
Thanks for the info mate, really useful. I’m about to buy a new bike and I just discovered the Gravel/Cross world. I think it fits perfectly my needs but it’s good to know that I cannot go in every trails I want.
Always love your videos!!
Handposition on the drops is great for climbing and in relatively smooth terrain, at least for my riding style. Great video as always!
By the way Cint… Glad you are ok…. and a secondary that your bike seems to be ok. Thanks for responding. Have you ever done a "How to crash" video or "Accident prevention" video specifically off road and looking yourself as well as your bike over. Thanks again
I am running 50psi rear 47psi front on a 37c tire. I have run 33c, 37, 40c, and am now trying 38c tires. I find that if you go much above a 40c you start feeling like you have the resistance of a MTB I am hoping a high volume 38 is the answer. I run 4oz of Orange Endurance per tire and I have good luck. I always use the drops for almost every downhill (Soma Condor bars are ba) and I am on the hoods for climbing. The flats I change it up a lot so my hands stay fresh. I have a 6hr endurance mtb race this weekend and I will be racing my stigmata. I am faster on my CX in tight single track than I am my Jeffsy 140mm mtb.
Great vid Clint
I have decided to buy specialized diverge a1 sport 2017.How do you rate it? Are there any alternatives? Is November month perfect for cycle purchasing especially during thanksgiving ? Your suggestions will be quite handy. Thank you
I loved to ride marathon track on CX bike but it felt so harsh not for me but for the bike. However, I was only few minutes slower compared to MTB over an hour ride, riding like that gave me confidence. Probably because I’m not that great on tech sections so I wasn’t any slower on CX but was way faster on straights!
Hey Clint, loving those trails! Keep those videos coming! Anyway, I left a sub. Stay safe! All the best, Philipp from PHAM
I never owned a cyclocross gravel bike
I took my CX bike on a pretty rough trail recently having never been on trails on ANYTHING before and it was terrifying – my feet were on the floor regularly! I need to work on my skills on easier terrain but will be on the trail again because it was also a lot of fun 🙂
how about flat bars on cx i did it on my road bike
I don’t ride my cross or gravel bike on trails. Why? Because I don’t have a cross or gravel bike.
Totally agree there is no bike that does it all.
My last crash was going down in a slow and technical mountain. My front wheel (35 cm) bump into a big root that was going parallel to the path, therefore it was not a direct impact with the root, but a collision of the external face of my wheel into the border of root. Kind of hard but exiting, that’s why I keep going, but now, stronger.
yep! that is the reason why I have a mountain bike and a CX bike so you could do both disciplines full time. Great job man!
The only bike I can ride is a road and cx bike. Any other bike different the the first ones are only toys. When riding mtb trails I feel well only on my cx bike
That’s so fun to do. It makes local trails more interesting and challenging to ride.
Great video, you’re very well spoken.
To destroy Stava leaderboards!
Could be mistaken, but this looks like Santos.
Yes I do use My Cannondale Super X cantilever brakes on gravel rides; just use some 30mm Challenge Strata Bianca and bingo!
I dont have a cross bike but sometimes I pump up the tires and ride my mountain bike on paved trails. scares the hell out of people.
Funny one of the best all around bikes that no longer exists for the Northeast a cheap 26 in GT Palomoar with I think a 63 mm cheap fork. Similar bikes everyone says they suck. I hear suspension isn’t needed, its a hybrid worst of both worlds etc. All I can say is what I experienced, light enough, way more chuckable and playful than a 29er, light and small enough if you had to carry it in tight trails over obstacles etc.. Good compromise between extremes, but then again I’m used to riding local trails and going hey that looks like an old trail nobody has used for a few years lets explore, I hardly ever see anyone on them and this is in crowded Massachusetts. Sometimes they pan out sometimes they peter out to nothing and you turn back. This is why I am suspicious for gravel bikes in the northeast with all the roots and rocks, unless its mostly smooth no suspension at all leaves you kind of screwed if it gets very rough, sand, etc. They seems like bikes for roads and what you know are really just gravel roads, no deep sand or roots for only a very short distance. My sister and I used to find a lot of these gravel roads to train on for xcountry running in VT. But I do see gravel bikes as good because of all the pot holes cracks etc on the reg. roads too bad we have all the nutty drivers.
Lokk at the Black Forest ! We love it !!!
https://youtu.be/CbrCmKLMdqc