My brother in law looking to get a bike for the beginning of next year. I am pretty much ignorant when it comes to cycling and equipment outside of my own gear, plus 99% of the riding I do is on road and tri bikes so not really familiar with the other sort of stuff he is talking about. His thoughts on what he is trying to get are below, any sort of help or recommendations would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance. See below:

My budget is $1500

70% of my riding is asphalt, greenways. 30% flat dirt roads (not hardcore mountain biking paths), crushed gravel. Looking to do 2-3 hour fitness riding on weekend in greenways around Raleigh, riding around my neighborhood and some light commuting.

-I am looking at entry level road bikes like Giant Defy 1 ($1300) but I don’t think that can handle flat dirt roads or commuting accessories.

-Also looking at Trek ION ($1500). Great light crosscycle that can handle most terrains, test drive felt great! but not sure how comfortable it would be for long rides and I don’t see me cyclecross racing.

-Last bike is a Specialized Sirrus flatbar hybrid bike ($1100). It just seems like a roadbike with flat bars but it can handle commuting accessories and I am more use to flatbars.

I am torn. Would love any suggestions based on your riding experience. Trek ION looks cool as hell but not sure that is a good all around bike if it was built for cyclecross.