Salsa Vaya

Salsa Vaya, for example, is now marketed as a gravel bike, and I think you'd do fine with it, but I bet you want slightly more aggressive geometry. Though this bike tows a trailer very well.

Supplies are obviously limited, but I’ve been able to find a Kona Libre AL and a Salsa Vaya 105 at my LBS. I’ve test rode them both and they both fit and ride well.

They are bombproof, comfortable, can carry anything, and perform very well. The tradeoff with weight is well worth it. I have an older Salsa Vaya and love it. It's a perfect commuter/ city bike that I take for long rides on the weekends.

The ride was more comfortable and bike was more reliable. I went through 2 bottom brackets on an aluminum specialized diverge before switching to a steel Salsa Vaya.

I’ve just got the salsa Vaya, good price from woods cyclery. It’s steel though so a bit heavy but great for road / trails. All the mounts you’ll every need too. Don’t rule out steel - there are many advantages!.

I bought a salsa vaya used a few years back. Added a front rack, a new crank with a friendlier commuter geared ratio. Some metropolis bars, and a dynamo wheel/light set. All biased aside I feel it’s the perfect commuter.

I commuted on a Salsa Vaya with a 105 groupset and a power meter before I upgraded to custom bike and it definitely falls into that fast and playful commuter bike category; what's funny though is that I upgraded to a Pinion belt-drive bike since I often commute in rain and snow. The Pinion and belt drive is a little slower than my Vaya was, but the added functionality and weather resistance make up for it; I suppose it depends on what kind of weather you ride in and how much you like continuously cleaning your drivetrain in bad weather. I might also suggest the Salsa Warbird if you're looking for a fast attack commuter.

Both. Gravel - Salsa Vaya GRX ($2,499). It's what I ride.