mr spectrum, check out some of the vids by The path less pedalled, a couple from Seattle that put out tons of vids,and recently the guy has brought up how so many GRAVEL bikes are over geared, especially for regular folks like him and his wife who want to put panniers on and stuff and still be able to get up hills, often dirt hills etc , where one is even going slower than pavement riding due to the surface.
Ross i think is his name, should be easy to find the vids he brings this up.
just another opinion anyways.
I had neglected to put in the word "gravel", he specifically is commenting on gravel bikes being over geared for the average, non racing rider who wants to carry baggage.