So I need some advice on replacing my bike that was totaled bc I'm terrified I'm going to hate what I get. I know this isn't technically SS/FG but this is the forum I frequent and trust the other members here. I went to my LBS today to have a look around and see what they recommend, because I said I built my old bike for touring the person helping me started pulling Marin and Kona touring bikes. I've narrowed it down to a 2018 Marin four corners or a 2018 Kona Rove AL. I hate aluminum but the Kona Rove seems to be my top option for value for money. The Marin is nice and also steel which is a bonus, but it's very modern and in a horrible blue colour. should I take the plunge and get a "gravel bike"?

My second choice is an older Fairdale weekender they have in the showroom, again horrible colour but i think i'd like the more "city" oriented bike that I could build to be more of a stylish tourer and it's steel with canti breaks instead of disk. obviously a downgrade from the entry level gravel bikes I mentioned above.

My third option is should I buy vintage used and most likely get everything I'm looking for in a bike but sacrifice having a modern bike.
I guess my questions are, are modern gravel bikes good enough for me to sacrifice my aesthetic wants? is a modern steel city bike a better option than building my own from a higher end vintage frame? will I get more value out of modern bike versus a mid range vintage roadbike or sport tourer?