Originally Posted by
gravelslider
There already is a basic split to short wheelbase (Open, 3T) for racing orientation and long wheelbase for more relaxed riding (Jamis, Bombtrack, Salsa).
I agree, the differences exist in the hardware. But they are all marketed as "gravel bikes" which lumps a very wide range of intended uses under one roof. "Adventure bike" seems a good name for the more offroad side of gravel riding that is starting to look like dropbar mountain bikes, as opposed to the gravel road side that more resembles road biking on dirt. Really what I think we're seeing is filling in the gradients between paved road bikes and mountain bikes (or to take it further, between road bikes and fat bikes).