General Cycling Discussion - All around bike - touring or cyclocross?

What would be a better all around bike if I wished to use it for commuting 36 miles a day every week day, going on long rides on the weekend on pavement or fire roads/trails, and wished to eventually use it for touring? I was set on the poprad disc until I realized that a racing bike might not be ideal for that and that the expensive racing components might get too much wear from all the commuting. I've also been looking at the Kona Sutra, but I have no idea of how that would handle on trails or fire roads. The bike seems pretty bullet proof and like it would take a long time to see any signs of wear from using it as a commuter. Using it for commuting and longish rides is my top priority for this bike, after that for trails and fire roads, and finally for use as a touring bike. Any input on the two I've mentioned or recommendations for others? Thanks.

Touring. A true cyclo-cross bike is made for an exotic form of cross country racing. A touring bike is built to take you and your stuff somewhere in comfort. If you want to go off-roading as well get one of the stronger frames made for heavy duty touring. Several people make such bikes but Bruce Gordon usually comes to mind first. If you get a lighter and less expensive touring bike for say $1,000 you will also need a MTB for off-roading; another $1,000. For $2,000 you can get one bike that can do both.

I second the touring bike route. I was looking for a cross bike to replace my Dew as a commuter but all the cross bikes a I looked at did not have mounts for fenders or racks. (I was looking to purchase a 2008 model). I ended up switching out the bars for drops and installed Sora shifters. A buddy of mine toured on the sutra and loved it, he commutes on it as well.

I have a Sutra, and can say that it is a horrible bike. Stay away from it at all costs. Do a search on it and you'll find out more. Bullet proof is the last term I'd use to describe it.

FWIW, I'm very happy with my LHT for a touring bike, but if I had to choose just one bike I'd pick one of the cyclocross bikes I have as they have a much sportier feel, and also ride just fine with panniers. Touring bikes don't tend to handle so well unloaded.