Here's my latest "COVID project" - A friend gave me an old Kona cyclocross frame. I stripped and repainted it, spent a few months finding parts, and built myself a "trail bike". I probably spent more than just finding a good used bike, but at least I got what I wanted with few compromises. This is the first "new" upright bike I've had in 30+ years - my "regular" bike is a recumbent.
2x9 drive train (30/46 crankset, 12/36 cassette) on 700c wheels, cantilever brakes, bar-end shifters, lifted bars - It's comfortable and is getting me riding again with some off-road adventures. I love the recumbent, but have gotten very learry of riding in traffic.