Why are cyclocross bikes stiff and what impact does it have on performance? I bought my first cx bike at the beginning of the summer and started watching a few races on YouTube and such, not because I plan to race but just because it was interesting to me. All summer I've been riding on paved trails until recently I took it off-road to a bike trail in the woods. Instantly I noticed how stiff my bike is (2015 Giant Revolt 3) and I started to feel each and every bump my wheels came in contact with. 

So this made me question. Why are cx bikes so stiff if they are used to ride off-road a lot? Races are all off-road with bumps/hills/etc. as well. It makes sense for road bikes because they're riding on smooth paved road and don't need to worry about sudden bumps in the road.

My question is, why are cx bikes so stiff and what impact does it have on performance? I'm mainly interested in performance changes for off-road biking or cx racing.

Thanks.
Race courses in city parks are not that bumpy.  Most racers run closer to 40 psi (on a 34 mm) but it varies.  Clincher tires to run low pressure with pinch flats is common. The bike is stiff for speed.

The Revolt 3 is not a true CX bike.  It probably came with a 35 mm. That bike will take a 50 mm.  You can safely run 50 mm at 40 psi (check the range on the tire) and get a pretty soft ride.