Originally Posted by Iride01

Well generally less aggressive and wanting to sit upright are not the same thing. Cyclocross and Gravel bikes are marketed mainly toward a group that fits this description of the Cyclocross and Gravelbiking sub-forum here at BF


And you are wanting a casual, leisurely ride. So if you aren't wanting a road biker position. And most cyclocross and gravel bikes are a unique subset of road bikes to me........ Then you don't want specifically gravel bike, which to me is built and aimed at the above rider type. Might be a mountain bike is a better option.

But if you want a light bike, then cyclocross or gravel bike is probably the thing. But then you get back to nuances of aggressive and less aggressive that aren't anywhere near upright.

As for how many spacers are under the stem, you probably should ask for each model you seriously consider. I don't think there is any standardized number. Some bikes might have shorter steerer tubes on the forks they come with than other bikes.