Originally Posted by
Richard8655
Offering up a compromise between hybrid and road for those who don't like the feel of road bikes but maybe want more performance than hybrid. The Diverge is a new cross bike from Specialized that might fit this in-between catagory. It rides well on both road and paths/trails with a more comfortable geometry than road.
Flat bar gravel road/adventure bikes are available. They carry forward the endurance geometry of drop bar road bikes but are suitable for people who don't feel comfortable on a drop bar road bike. Lots of brands have them now.