I think you should see if you can demo some gravel bikes and see how they feel. There’s a lot of demos in the summer, hopefully if your LBS won’t lend you a bike you can go and ride one or a couple different ones for 30 minutes plus each.
That’ll get you a lot better feel for if you still feel like your old bike with some component upgrades would still suit you better.
I didn't get any loaners, but was able to get a feel for several road, gravel cross bikes. Ended up on the lower end of the budget which was still a huge upgrade. Thanks for the advice
Congrats! Enjoy your new bike! :)
I'm totally confused. If you want a gravel bike, get one.
Don't try to covert an old hybrid bike into a gravel bike for long distances. It was never ever designed to do that.
That was the decision, and the correct one. Ended up with a Giant Revolt 2, and couldn't be happier.
Its really up to how you ride, and what is comfortable to you. You dont have to get rid of your old bike to buy a new one. 1500-3k is way out of my range btw so my opinion is based on my experience. I got a 1993 Specialized Hardrock 22" (I have 32" inseam, it is large) out of the trash. I stripped it down to a 1x7, Brooks saddle, new bottom bracket, new front sprocket, lighter 26" wheels from my other bike, and 165mm cranks. Factory straight bars. 1.5" Slick tires. and eggbeater pedals. I commuted on this and delivered food on this, about 6 hours in the saddle a day. 30+ miles a day, with no issues. I just rode it from Orlando to New Smyrna Beach and back a few weekends ago. It does everything I need, is low maintenance and cost about 200$ to upgrade everything i wanted. It is still my daily driver. I cant imagine buying a new bike for that much and id still end up riding my frankenstein bike. just my opinion and experience.
i average 15mph on it.