Option A: Gravel
First up on our list come gravel bikes, unbound by rules and someone else's idea of what a bike should be.
They pack relaxed geometry for longer days in the saddle (because trips to breweries etc) and space for sized up tires to deal with random BS that always pops up like rocks and scree.
Option B: Cyclocross
Next, think of a cyclocross bike like an OG mud racer. Controlled by those - let's call them bureaucrats - at the UCI, the geometry and handling of these things are all about flat-out speed racing.
They'll typically max out at 33mm wide tires - meaning good times on the singletrack and firm ground, but less than ideal on the loose stuff.
Option C: Hard tail mountain
We won't insult your intelligence by mansplaining what you already know here, but le truth is there's rough patches on the XFONDO course where a good MTB will earn looks of envy from others.
That being said, try keeping your advantage going once you hit the asphalt. Spoiler alert: you won't.
