Help me choose a bike!

Help me choose a bike!

I’ve recently returned to Melbourne and am seeking a versatile bike for weekend road and gravel rides, 2-3 night bikepacking trips, and long-distance touring. I plan to get a separate commuter bike.

Looking for a steel frame, I would like something with a flat bar but I’m struggling to find any readymade options with a flat bar.

Have been searching marketplace but also not found anything suitable / in my size, so have resorted to looking online for new bikes.

This is what I have found so far, in order of favorites;

JAMIS Renegade S3

$2,399

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/en-AU/en-au/products/jamis-renegade-s3-2022

2023 Norco Search XR S2

$2,299

https://www.fitzroycycles.com.au/a/gravel-bikes/norco/vic/hughesdale/2023-norco-search-xr-s2/381141

Genesis Croix de Fer 20 (I like the look of this but not sure I should go for hydraulic brakes)

$1,649

https://www.offroadbikesonline.com.au/genesis-croix-de-fer-20

JAMIS Coda S1 Palladium (the only flat bar steel frame bike I could find)

$949

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/en-AU/en-au/products/jamis_coda_s1_palladium_1064414

Please help me decide or throw out any other suggestions you have!

Looking to spend about $2,500

Thanks for your help 🙂