Have you considered the Surly Pacer or the Salsa Casseroll? They are both steel framed road bikes that can take wider tires for touring and commuting. I have owned a Pacer, Crosscheck, and Long Haul Trucker. The Pacer is definitely the "sportier" of the three. It feels more like a racing road bike but can handle rouger roads and loads better than a lightweight racer.