Yes that's true a new gravel bike with indexed shifting...nope, gimme the barcon. Also these lower tiered bikes don't have the components.
I want hydraulic discs if I'm to spend money on a bike. Cable discs are just alright.
The thing is you might hit a home run and find a mint unused mtb that just needs a hub pack, and then a new cabling and bars to get going.
In my case the bike had an old drivetrain...original cranks and derailleurs are still going good.
I need to rebuild the hubs again.
Of course the new value oriented gravel bikes are nice...but suppose you can cobble the parts together...that's what classic/vintage bike stuff is all about it, these MTB drop bar rat rods can be cheap or expensive. But they are fun...and hopefully cheaper.
I'd love to have a stiffer aluminum frame. Interestingly enough I'd say it might be better to just buy a new bike, but I've only got a couple hundred in.
Of course even a new bicycle will need a new saddle...and don't get me started on saddles
