Again, really useful advice from everyone. Thanks so much for that. I am getting a bit obsessed with reviews and specs, and with roughly a 1k budget, there is so much choice. I'm also now really liking the idea of the one bike fits all scope of gravel bikes / endurance bikes with good clearance.
I actually went to Spa cycles and tried the Aubisque with mechanical brakes. It was nice, but not mad on the colour. The Audax only takes 25s with mudguards and the tourer is too full on for me, plus doesn't have discs.
The Canyon Grail is out of stock and they can't say when they will be back in stock. The Endurace disc with 105 and hydraulic brakes is in stock and reduced to £1100. With the spec, it looks amazing, but doesn't take mudguards so it would be race blades (is that okay? Hmm, not sure - I really want fitted guards). The disc version takes 30s. Another option is the Rose Pro Cross Gravel with RX400. I am a little put off by the gravel specific groupset, but that's just because it's new and I have no experience or knowledge of it. It is also £1400, but the spec, again is great for the money. I don't fancy any of the single chainring options.
Then there is the Planet X London Road with Rival 22 at £900, but I think those wheels (Gipiemme Roccia Equipe 700c/29 Inch Disc Wheelset / Black / Shimano/SRAM 10/11sp) are fairly tonk
I would live with them for a while I imagine.
I have even considered getting the endurace and then getting a Woodrup frame with good clearance and switching all the gear next year. Then I will be closer to what I initially planned and can sell the unwanted frame. Seems a good way to get the components cheap.
I understand how insane and obsessive this all is. I think that's part of the thrill.