I wanted a "do-it-all" bike and went the monstercross route.
I got a Gravity Zilla frameset. It was cheap and cheerful, disc brakes, and 135mm rear spacing so that I could use the set of 36 spoke 29er MTB wheels that I already had.
With skinny tires I hang with the roadies. Bikesdirect says max tire size is 700x47c but a 2" slick will fit.
The handling and ride in the dirt is fantastic.
I just got back from 300 mile tour and it is well suited for touring. The frame is strong and the chain stays are long. Disc brakes rule with a loaded touring bike.