Thoughts on Genesis Cad vs ???

[enkei]

Hi everyone,

I'm shopping for my first gravel/bikepacking steed. Versus my existing bikes, which are all road-based, my wants include:

1. plush ride / relaxed geo to support longer riding sessions
2. bigger tires with lower pressures - partially cuz the damn roads around here suck so hard, partially for light gravel/trail
3. plenty of options for mounting 'stuff'

So far, the Genesis Cda recently caught my eye as a very cost-effective option that a lot of people rave about for the fun/comfort factor. I like all the mounting points on the frame/forks, the low cost of entry, and what looks like decent cost/component compromise, whether it's the Cda 10, 20 or 30.

Sure, if I won the lottery, I would be shopping for something like a Mason Bokeh, but between my tight-walletness and this being my first foray into the gravel/bikepacking space, the most lustworthy bike options will have to wait for now.

Anyone here owned a Cda and care to comment? Are there similar/superior options from other brands for someone based in the UK?

Thanks,
Nick

[enkei]

After further research/internal debate, I decided I really would like steel. Also, I much prefer drop bars to flat for extended rides on road/light gravel.

So, my 'shortlist' as it kind of exists so far, is down to:

Genesis Croix de Fer / Tour de Fer
Sonder El Camino / Frontier
Kona Sutra
Fairlight Secan/Faran

Quite a range of budget choices there, I realise.

Should I just buy a cheap used alu gravel/bikepacking bike?

Thoughts on those? Am I being silly? Have I missed something?