u/ei00m

Looking for some advice/direction..

Hoping to purchase my first gravel bike soon (new to gravel & cycling) and would just like some feedback from experienced riders on what I should be looking for. Thank you for your help!

Currently riding - basically all road (not too much gravel around here)

Have plans for bikepacking and/or finding gravel travels

No racing.

Ride about min. 20 miles each time I go out.

Carbon/aluminum isn't dealbreaker.

I was reading SRAM/Shimano - and it appears people prefer Shimano for gravel (open to thoughts on this)

Prefer attachment points for future bickpacking, but again not a deal breaker

Drop bars are a must.

Under 2500K

I can answer any other questions if needed!

Again thank you for the help!