Looking at the range of Genesis bikes, the Adventure and Race as I am looking at doing some bikepacking and a few off road adventures.

Are there any other bikes worth looking at?

Budget of around £1500, pref rigid and with plenty of mounting options for racks & bags etc

Stock answer is a Singular swift or gryphon, nice comfy ride, not too expensive and look lush. No full builds tho, just frames. Swift dosnt have rack mounts but that can be overcome with frame bags etc.

Is it me or is £1500 a lot of dosh for a simple steel rigid bike? I’d love one mind….

it is but you can get them cheaper, i think tritoncycles has them on sale.