less aggressive or less extreme geometry?
 

Even though I only recently started riding again after a long while off it didn't take long for me to start looking at new bikes. It seems most manufacturers are making bikes one tier down from there top bike that has less aggressive or less extreme geometry. What exactly is different to make it such.
As I am getting older, I felt that my bike was a little to aggressive (that is how I would explain it but I really don't know what that means technically).
I turned the stem around to raise the handlebars and moved the seat forward a bit but I am wondering how a frame with different geometry would feel.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Rich

Devil is going to be in the details. So hard to generalize, but I will any way.

"comfort" or endurance bikes tend to have taller head tubes, which make them easier to set up in a more up right riding position, which tends to be the biggest difference.

A number of such models will have various geometry changes that tend to make the bike more "stable", i.e. more wanting to track straight ahead, as opposed to quick to turn.

These can include shallower head tube angles, more trail, longer seat stays.

So in general the more comfort oriented bikes will tend to setup higher, and will not be as "twitchy"

To sum it up into one word, comfort.

Longer wheelbase and room for bigger tires? But yeah, mostly the tall headtubes.

Not that this was specifically asked, and I am far from an expert, if you started cycling again only recently I would work on becoming more flexible and regaining fitness. Your bike choice today may be far different in a couple of months.

What is the reason for a longer head tube? To get the handlebars higher or does it make the bike handle differently?
I am not really talking about a comfort or endurance bike per say, something like a Pinarello Gan witch they say is less aggressive then a dogma.
As far as a bike being twitchy, does anything other then wheelbase have an effect on that. It was a long time ago but I remember I was in between sizes when I got my bike and I went with the smaller size. IF I went with the larger size the bike would have been a little less twitchy, so would that have the same effect as moving to a less extreme geomitry?

You are 100% correct. I can already feel myself getting better. I just want to be informed and make the correct choice when I get the next bike.
Bikes have changed a lot. I hope you guys don't get tired of me as I'll have a bunch more questions in the future.

I'm with you there. :) I don't live too far from you. Welcome.

Gravel road/adventure bikes are based on the endurance road bikes and typically have taller head tubes, a frame geometry that sets up one for upright riding and they have room for wider tires for stability and added comfort.

A lot of people buy them because they want to ride both on pavement and off road and they want to have fun.

Unless you're intending to compete in the TdF, getting a lightweight bike that puts you in an aero position isn't what most people want out of a road bike.

That's why the increased choices in the market these days is a very good thing, indeed.