Yep... that is what I was going to say.

Here is my "Hybrid" to "Gravel/Touring" conversion.



I still think that some hybrid frames make excellent conversion frames. This Jamis Coda frame is a few years old (note quill stem), but it made out of double butted 520 steel.

So far, the frame has been rock solid, and I haven't had the rack heavily loaded, but I haven't felt any flex from the rack and rack mounts.

However, when I got right down to it, I did end up spending a fair amount on the upgrades.

Many of the original components were second rate. Plus, for my use, I like the larger chainrings (although I still have some issues with the rings on the Dura Ace crankset.