Cyclocross bike for touring?

[LSKennedy]

Hello!

First of all, I'm stoked to be a part of this forum! I'm a young rider, 21, just got into cycling last year and intended on touring, but haven't yet. Recently, it dawned on me that I might have been misled about what bike to purchase...

I bought a Specialized Hard Rock, and I love it, it's an amazing Mountain bike. But, she's not really designed for cross trail touring.

I want to get a cyclocross, or hybrid, bike that can do trails as well as be slightly fast on the road.

I signed up for GOBA this year, and I hope to have a more suitable bike for it.

"Put some different tires on your bike, and you'll be all set!"

Problem. I don't want to either :

A: Put new tires that are great for the road, but stink for the trail on. I Want her to be mountain or commuting, that's it.
B: Constanly switch the tires so that I can go fast one day, then have to switch again to do some trail riding

I found the specialized crosstrail, but I wasn't sure if it had front posting on it or not? Anyone have experience with those?

Also, can I put a front rack on a 2011 Hard Rock? I think I have the right pegs, I'll just have to put it on the same spot as the brake cantilever?

Any advice would be great! My price range is around $600 btw

[whittierider]

It was recently discussed here and elsewhere.  Happy reading!

[taterbug]

I did get a cross bike for touring.  A Surly CrossCheck.  It has fullfilled all of what I was looking for.  On the roads, I use Schwalbe Marathon 700x28 and get a fast, smooth ride.  When touring I go to a bigger Marathon...700x35c or maybe bigger.  On the trails I can get a 700x45 FireCross and it will handle singletrack just fine.  You will bust your budget as my CrossCheck with upgraded wheels cost about $1300.00.  You might be able to find a used one in your range.  I recommend it highly