I'm rather new to gravel biking (1 year~) but looking to get a bike with long-term potential as I improve , ride more mixed terrain, and do longer trips.
With the Marin especially I'd consider upgrading the tires and seat (anything else?) – during my test ride for the topstone 1 and gestalt 2 I found the geometry on the Marin to be better for me, it was more responsive. But I am aware it lags behind in specs to the other two.
Never tried a 1x drivetrain, doing 30% gravel 70% road routes these days.
Luckily I will pay via job leasing.
https://www.goldsprintshop.com/Marin-Bikes-Gestalt-2-Komplettrad-gloss-blackhttps://www.goldsprintshop.com/Cannondale-Topstone-1-Komplettrad-700c-OBS-Obsidianhttps://www.bike-mailorder.com/products/orbea-terra-h45-1x-blue-stone-gloss-copper-matt
by fragile-badass