Oh i guess i should update my saga.
Early Jan had someone break into our detached garage and steal my bike ('18 Specialized Diverge E5 Comp). We caught them on video but the cops never really did anything. So i took the opportunity to upgrade bikes, as well as security cameras/locks/lighting. I got a used '22 Trek Checkpoint SL6 that had been upgraded a bit to be closer to the SL7. 2x eTap AXS shifting (electronic/wireless) is soooooo nice. I thought it was just kinda cool, but after racking up hundreds of miles i've gotta say I'm hooked! I also picked up a 2nd wheelset so i have a gravel set (currently with 40c) and a road set (currently a 26c). I've gotta say the bike looks kinda doofy with the road tires, but oh well. I've got some searches for a cheap set of 650bs where i can put something silly-wide on it like a 2.2" mtb tire. Why?...Why not!
I dont gravel that much. There's really only one gravel route near my house--the C&O trail. And that's easily tackled with much narrower tires. In fact, some of the KOMs over long distances are on a
Venge with 32c tires... So why did i get a gravel bike? I guess cuz fast, KOMs, PRs, are cool but i dont actually need any of that if I'm not racing? And i guess it's aspirational. I took the bike to Charlotte and conquered some good gravel there. I can always ride roads on a gravel bike, but I can't always ride gravel on a road bike...