Quote Originally Posted by Kiwi Stoker View Post
Have you looked into a flat barred road bike? Take the comfort of a more upright position but the frame, wheels and gearing of a road bike. Some come with slightly wider tyres too (28s) so you can still do well packed gravel trails.

I certainly did centuries on a flat bar bike.

However I agree, just ride what you have for now and evaluate later if your needs change.
This would be a great option for longer rides IF you decide that what you currently have won't work for longer rides. It is SO easy for us to get caught up in the thinking that THIS kind of bike is necessary for THAT kind of riding when that isn't always the case. You may find that your hands might have issues with flat bars for longer rides - but there are ways to address that which may not require road bars. For me, my hands can't handle road bars so I actually ride with 2-inch riser bars on my bike. Have fun experimenting and find out what works for YOUR body