gravel bikes are the best. also the roads are generally garbage where i live with debris and broken glass, etc, so my gravel bike with tubeless tires is kind of my DD. what bikes are on your list?
i've never done the belgian waffle but i've heard it's a great event. that elev gain is real
I don%u2019t have an extremely narrow list yet. Just doing more research currently while I start on the trainer. I will most likely go the route of seeing what is gently us d and available to get the most bang for my buck. I have been keeping an eye on The Pro%u2019s Closet. I have heard good things about them and there are some nice bikes on there. I will also keep a lookout for bikes on consignment sale at a couple local shops.
Looking for a double ring set up, I am a spinner that tries to keep it above 90 cadence almost always. I know that really narrows down my selection. Tubeless or tubeless ready. Non-carbon frame, carbon forks are fine. Have not been swayed one way or the other on 650 vs 700. GRX600 equivalent or above.
This bike popped up and man, it is hard for me not to pull the trigger right now. I promised my wife that I would not buy until I logged hours on the trainer and need to hold up my end of the deal. It is so dang sexy.
https://www.theproscloset.com/products/2020-gunnar-hyper-xx-l
It sounds like you are a dyed in the wool roadie at heart. I got my gravel bike right before 1x became standard and that's kind of my only regret. Maybe test drive a 1x setup before you commit to a 2x. Otoh if where you live is mostly flat and you want max speed, 2x would be fine.
If you're anti-carbon frame I would 100% recommend steel frame (carbon fork is totally fine but try to find one with fork mounts).
Coming from road bikes, you would probably be most comfortable on a bike with endurance road type geometry. About half of gravel bikes on the market are basically evolved mtb's with drop bars and you would maybe find that jarring.
And would go with a wheel/tire setup in the 700x40 range.
edit: hydro brakes and thru-axles are a must (industry standard now in the price range you're looking at; but if you get a used bike just double check the specs)