Originally Posted by
Prodigy4299
One of my frequent riding companions has a 29er hardtail. Only took one proper light / fast gravel for him to start shopping for a gravel bike.
In my experience, a midrange gravel bike is a good 2-4 kg lighter than a 29er hardtail.
This.
I didn't think of that, but my 29" 'er Specialized stock HT weighs 26.6 lbs. My Cannondale Topstone gravel bike weighs 22.6 lbs. That's just enough of a noticeable weight.
And as well, an extra $550 or so gets you a set of wheels/cassette/rotor/tires that in about 2 minutes turns your gravel bike into a pretty good road bike.