See if you can find a Cross Check to test ride. The fit isn't for everyone. I have one, and while I've ridden the heck out of it on all manner of surfaces, I'm waaaaay more comfortable riding any kind of gravel/dirt/rough stuff on a more relaxed geometry(like my other bike a Kona Rove). You might like the short head tube, somewhat aggressive position of the 'Check though.
Cross Checks are versatile--mine's been a singlespeed with riser bars, and a 1x with both flat bars and drops. The only downside is no disc brakes.
EDIT: my CC has Surly Knard 41s on it, and I think Surly says you can go up to 45(?) so that's also a feature--you can get decently big tires on there.
Last edited by pbass; 05-20-19 at 05:33 PM.