Agree with all comments above, I think it really comes down to what kind of experience you want to have. If you're a big geek for building up bikes as a hobby, it can be really rewarding to turn that 26er into a personalized treasure and rip it all over the place. But if you want a more "road-ish" geometry and modern amenities like disc brakes, maybe an "off the rack" gravel bike is the way to go.