Originally Posted by
Camilo
Another option is to find a cyclocross bike. The down side is the rim brakes and usually a ~35mm tire size limitiation. However, I used one for about 10 years and it was great.
^ Totally agree with this. CX bikes feel right at home on the road, and as long as you don't get too deep into the gnar, they're as capable as a gravel bike offroad. Maybe find a used Surly Cross-Check. It's got that old school steel & canti vibe, with plenty of room for rubber.