Originally Posted by
Seattle Forrest
I'm not really 100 % clear on the difference between a cross bike and a gravel/adventure bike, but if I can take dirt FS roads on it I'll be happy.
Typically geometry and details like rack & bottle mounts. A true CX bike is optimized for CX racing, and won't include things like water bottle bosses. Gravel bikes are usually designed more like endurance bikes rather than hardcore race frames. Plenty of models blur the lines though.
The Grade sounds like a good bike for you, and the reviews are all quite good.