That looks really nice.This is very much me, I use my gravel bike for rides from my door, usually below 40km. I just stick my phone, wallet and a snack in the top tube bag, stick on a bottle or two and set off. Not having to sort the Camelbak or pack the car to drive somewhere is the whole appeal. yesterday I bunged on a Crud Catcher and clip on rear guard but usually don't bother.
Saying all that, I'm struggling with drop bars having tried a few different styles so am considering a XC bike.....
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Could always try and find wider bars so ypu have that if you wanted less time on dropsm or convert to flat bar?
You had a planet x carbon xc bike thing I'd I'm not mistaken? So at least you know what they both ride like to see what bike type suits you