Just back from the Galloway gallop adventure x event.had a great day and want to do more.i borrowed a mates 29er which worked out great but have decided to buy a bike mainly for this type of ride.lots of people on cx bikes yesterday seemed faster/easier but saw lots of punctures compared to mtb 's some riders saying they had 4 or 5 that day.any advice or experience of how cx and 29 compare for these type of events would be great.
This was recently debated here:
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/gravel-gnarmac-still-well-under-the-radar-in-the-uk
No particular consensus. Imo it largely depends on the terrain.
I've done a few 'gravel' type events and have also seen loads of cx bikes with punctures at bottom of descents. I reckon a lightweight 29er is the way forward.