Gravel bikes as a category are becoming more specialised, you only have to see the stupid Canyon handlebars on their gravel bike for that to be evident.
I think that a good "all-road" or what would have been known as an Endurance bike, so Canyon Endurace, Trek Domane or Giant Defy for example are moving far more in the direction of what a "beginner" cyclist would want, wide tyres, low gears and a relatively upright position.
I have a very quick, comfortable and racy bike, but a lot of the time I end up grabbing my Domane, despite the narrower tyres simply because it's a more practical ride. It's worth noting that the former bike with 28c tyres is less comfortable than the Domane with 25c, but I run 32c tubeless on it which is like riding on pillows.
Geometry and riding position, combined with gearing and tyre choice can make more difference than the choice of Steel/Alu/Carbon frame or groupset and new cyclists would be well advised if they learnt this.
I think that a good "all-road" or what would have been known as an Endurance bike, so Canyon Endurace, Trek Domane or Giant Defy for example are moving far more in the direction of what a "beginner" cyclist would want, wide tyres, low gears and a relatively upright position.
I have a very quick, comfortable and racy bike, but a lot of the time I end up grabbing my Domane, despite the narrower tyres simply because it's a more practical ride. It's worth noting that the former bike with 28c tyres is less comfortable than the Domane with 25c, but I run 32c tubeless on it which is like riding on pillows.
Geometry and riding position, combined with gearing and tyre choice can make more difference than the choice of Steel/Alu/Carbon frame or groupset and new cyclists would be well advised if they learnt this.