Originally Posted by
Higgs_Zaphod
... So far I have found that I think I prefer pavement. I wouldn't be opposed to some off road trails now and then but on road is what I really enjoy. I am considering either a road bike or a gravel bike. I like the idea of a fully dedicated road bike best. Going far and fast sounds fun for sure and quite honestly ... Are road bikes ok on roads that aren't super smooth or do you think I would better served with a gravel bike, even though the vast majority of use will be on pavement?
The logical answer is to get a road bike that would fit wider tires, as everyone else has suggested. However, my approach would be as follows:
1. Understand that most 2x gravel bikes would fit road wheels and tires, whereas many road bike would not fit gravel width tires; I consider 40 mm the minimum gravel width.
2. Buy a gravel bike and enjoy riding it everywhere but realize that you still have a need for speed.
3. Buy road wheels and tires for said gravel bike to satisfy said need for speed.
4. Recognize that a gravel bike with road wheels and tires look a bit chunky, and that you are still leaving a tiny bit of speed on the table.
5. Buy a road bike, since you already have a decent set of road wheels and tires.
6. Reinstall the gravel wheels and tires on the gravel bike and ride it through your neighbors' farms.