What about a Sports Hybrid instead of the Cyclocross for "Gravel Grinding" Wide enough tyres, suitable gearing, V-brakes instead of Cantis.
I hate straight bars, but a treking (butterfly) bar might do except they look monstrously awful.
I like my bullhorns - and these might be a substitute.
http://humpert.com/en/bikeparts/mark...satzbereich=62
I move my hands constantly on drops or bullhorns but do spend a lot of time on the bent of the bullhorn, which you cannot do with MTB bar extenders.
Any thoughts of the value for money and general suitability issues of using a Hybrid, and any advice on the handlebar issue?