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! :)
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.
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.