For a first bicycle I think it's wise to get a do-everything style roadbike that has enough clearance to run fairly fat tires like the 32-35c Ritchey Speedmax for a mix of on and off road use and with a frame allowing you to easily put a rack and panniers on. There are cyclocross, touring, and non-racing road bikes that fit that description. If you live in a rural area like the photograph on the linked website's header than you might as well get a steel cross bike. Gravel Grinder News | YOUR SOURCE FOR INFORMATION ON GRAVEL ROAD BASED RACING AND RIDING. Steel is desirable because when you slide and crash the frame doesn't break. If you live in the mountains you'll want a triple-ring crankset but if you live on the prairies a compact double is good. Typically cyclocross bikes are aimed at cyclocross racers and are geared for high speed which is a liability for general do-everything recreational riding.