Opinions on New Bike
I am looking at getting into gravel riding (already road and mountain bike) and welcome input on the two options I'm considering. For context, I plan to use the bike for 20-100 mile rides on gravel roads paved roads, and mixed surface rails to trails in the pacific northwest.
The two bikes I'm considering are REI's ADV 2.2 or Trek's Checkpoint ALR 5. The Checkpoint is about $900 more, and has better components, but both are aluminum frame and carbon fork bikes.
My question is about value and welcome input if the Trek is $900 more better than the REI ADV, or would it be better to get the REI ADV and then upgrade components as they give out?
Thank you all in advance for your thoughts!