> You're stuck with heavy bikes with poor gear ranges, super low end components, cable brakes, etc.
Hmm, not my experience at all. At least the market here there are no "cheap" gravels. For around $1k-$1.5k (which is the cheapest gravels available here) I've gotten hydraulic breaks, Shimano GRX groupset, an OK weight etc.
Those prices seem low these days if you want any availability. All I'm seeing around me is $2-2.5k minimum for the same specs (higher end = carbon frame).
Hmm, not my experience at all. At least the market here there are no "cheap" gravels. For around $1k-$1.5k (which is the cheapest gravels available here) I've gotten hydraulic breaks, Shimano GRX groupset, an OK weight etc.