Alphonsus

I'm looking to sell my Diamondback 29ner hardtail bike and get a gravel bike. So far I've decided to go with the Trek Checkpoint. I do plan on spending anything under $1500. The Checkpoint Al3 is $1200 and the Al4 is $1600, I feel like the biggest difference seems to be the derailer, the Al3 has a Sora groupset(9 speed) and the Al4 has a Tiagra groupset(10 speed). My primary use of this bike will be on the roads, as I've started to go on 30-40 mile bike rides compared to 2-10 last year. I do plan on later working up to be able to do 60 mile road trips. I am a college student, but I do want to buy a bike that will last me a long time. Is there really any big difference compared to how the Al3 vs the Al4 will ride? Keep in mind I'm coming from a hardtail that had an Acera derailleur.

sarhog

The AL4 has hydraulic discs, whereas the AL3 is mechanical. That alone would rule out the AL3 for me.
Good luck.