Apologies for the post highjack, however I think my queries would be better here than starting a new thread.
I’m in a similar situation to the OP, only with less balls, in that I’m gravel curious, but haven’t committed yet.
I used to have a Boardman CX a couple of years ago, and it wasn’t my jam…the tyres were Conti CX 35mm, the brakes were TRP Spyre mechanical brakes (set up what I believe to be correctly), and everything else was as it came from the factory….and I absolutely hated descending on it, the tyres were harsh and bumpy, and the brakes were pathetic. Climbing and on the flat was great however, especially since any increase in effort resulted in a noticeable increase in speed. Also I never really got onto the drops much due to an excessive diet making thinks a little uncomfortable (looking a bit better in that department, but the front definitely felt low).
Fast forward to today and I’m spending more and more time on my Scandal happily pedalling around the local bridleways and fireroads etc, with a few link roads in between…that combined with new bike fever and everyone else having one is making me look more at gravel bikes.
How much different would something like a Sonder Camino be compared to the old CX, would it be worth taking the plunge, or at least spending more time investigating? I’m about 5 miles from by local trails, so I’m not forced to drive to do anything interesting, and everything round here (close to Guisborough) is rather hilly and generally a bit rough.
I appreciate that I could just hire one for the day (not sure if that’s covid permitted), but I thought I would ask on here first.