Originally Posted by
PeteHski
I agree with this. From a geometry perspective they are just varying shades of overlapping grey. Really the only frame related things that separate these various disciplines (i.e. road endurance, touring, gravel) are tyre clearance and mountings for accessories like mudguards, panniers, bottles etc. Gravel bikes tend to be the most versatile, with clearance for 40+ mm tyres giving more options (especially if you add an extra set of wheels). Gearing will also typically vary between these categories, with gravel and touring bikes tending more toward lower gearing ranges and increasingly 1x drivetrains with very wide range cassettes.
Sounds like the OP would be well served with a modern gravel bike from any of the major brands.
Ok I like this gravel idea, but am I crazy for thinking the 1x will give me fewer gearing options. Honestly I struggle with the thinking less gearing is ok. I feel like it’s akin to buying a vacuum with only low and medium speed and not high. Lol. In the back of my mind I think it’s a conspiracy from the OE’s to cut cost on the bike but not the retail price.
Originally Posted by
Jeff Neese
Endurance, Touring and Gravel are mostly just marketing labels and there is a high degree of overlap. From the description of your rides, it sounds like a "touring" bike is what you want, but as soon as you put fatter tires on a touring bike you get to call it a "gravel" bike.
You mentioned comfort over 50+ miles, and to me that says steel. With your budget you can afford a very nice chromoly touring bike. Look at the Surly LHT and also the Crosscheck. You'll get lots of other good recommendations but those are great starting points.
Kind am leaning that way and perhaps two sets of tires,