I'm shopping for a new cross bike to use as a do-anything road bike/commuter/gravel grinder. I'd like to be able to run big tires and a rack and fenders if needed. I'd prefer steel (853 or Platinum OX) and disc brakes. Custom is not on the table right now because of the wait times. Does anyone have experience with any of the three bikes listed above?

Macho King: Geometry is a near-perfect match for that of my beloved road bike. It won't take a traditional bolt-on rack, but I shouldn't need a rack very often.

Niner RLT: It's alloy, but I can get a good price. The geometry of the 53 is very close to that of my road bike. Will take a rack and fenders.

Mettle: On paper, this bike is perfect- steel, fat tires, rack and fenders . But the short head tube makes me leary of finding the right fit. I end up between sizes (50 and 53).

Help! I have bike money burning a hole in my pocket!