Originally Posted by
chaadster
I don’t understand the question. Are you making a distinction between road and gravel frames/framesets? In the title you say “road bike,” but then you use the example of setting up a gravel bike for tarmac, so I’m confused if you want to know about adapting a road bike to dirt road use, or a gravel bike optimized for tarmac use.
Basically I'm envisioning a road "gravel" bike that's running a GRX derailleur for the clutch, but with a higher gear crankset, wide slicks, flared drops for better control, while running a lightweight frame and wheelset.
I just don't want a road bike I have to baby. I notice my roadie buddies always watching out for potholes and bumps on the road, nor can they handle the rough stuff when we encounter loose dirt or rocks. On most everything we ride, I can easily match their speed or go faster on my lower geared and heavier gravel bike. So I want to make a gravel bike that's lighter and faster, but not necessarily be all-road bike.