I recently searched for a replacement for my Specialized Crossroads. It served me well with some shorter pavement rides, but mostly trail riding (nothing too technical). My biggest complaint was the rim brakes. With riding gravel, cinder and forest roads the brake pads quickly became ineffective due to grime that accumulated. However, finding a hybrid type bike with disc brakes and upright bars, I was stymied. My LBS came to the rescue and suggested a Rockhopper. While I had been looking at the Ariel, I wasn't impressed with the components, especially the suspension. Never did a Mt bike cross my mind. But, wait a minute . . . . 2.3"/2.1" tires on pavement didn't sound appealing at all. But, I really liked the ride, even with the knobby Ground Control tread.

Finally, I decided I liked the RH and felt it was a better value for $115 more than the Ariel, it has better components (IMO). LBS suggested I ride it with the stock tires, then come back and discuss on road/off road options. I did a 20 mile ride on strictly pavement, but mostly flat and found the tires were no more hard to pedal than my Crossroads 700x45s, but they were terribly noisy. They did, however, give me a lot more confidence off-road with much more control than my hybrid.

Now what to do about longer pavement rides. We plan to participate in several paved 25-40 mi organized rides (Tour d Fronds - Powers, Oregon being one.) LBS again suggested a Gravel King 43mm. I want the ease of pedaling on pavement but also the ability to handle fitness riding on our property's rock/gravel roads. The GK seem to be just right - I rode a 25 mi paved charity ride, with some hills, a few weeks ago and they allow me to ride our rock roads, though not as well as the Ground Control. I have a biking son who says it is not hard to change tires and that I need to learn this if I'm going to be riding far. However, if I find we do more off-road riding, I just might invest in another set of wheels.
Back to the OP: I don't know if you are looking for drop or flat bars, but for less than $2,000 I have a nice gravel bike that will also handle pavement and trails. Yes, it does neither well (unless I use the bigger tires), but it makes me happy

This Saturday I am riding the Tour d Fronds for the first time. My son and DIL have done this ride for several years. One time he rode his singlespeed; another they rode tandem. The last two years they have pulled two children in a trailer. This year the older (4 yrs) is riding a tag along and the 2 year old still in the trailer. 30 miles total ride should be fun. Plan to get an early start because the weather forecast is saying 78 degrees by afternoon.

Tour d Fronds Daphne Grove


2016 Ride with toddler in the trailer and baby riding with Mom, in utero