>>1746515Yes, adding a FD would be relatively trivial. You need to
>Buy a FD that can mount onto your frame>Buy a 2x front chain that matches your FD brand>Buy a front shifter that matches your brand and is 2x>Probably going to need a new chain, since it will have to be longer>Cables and housingReally it's not a hard job at all. You don't have to fiddle with anything else besides the FD and chainset. Google how to install a front derailleur, I'm sure theres a tonne of good videos. RJ the Bike Guy, Park Tools are some good channels.
Just do your research and be sure to buy the right components.
To your point of buying a gravel bike, I'm not sure that's a good idea unless you really don't plan on mountain biking much anymore. A gravel bike is a good road/light off-road bike.
It will be faster on roads. But it will be a LOT worse than your mountain bike on the trail.
If I were you I'd keep the mountain bike, and buy a used roadie for speed. A MTB and a roadie and a good 2-bike combo. A gravel bike is a compromise on both ends. Master-of-none, but good if you ONLY want one bike I guess.
