So here it is, after lots of research and debate I settled on a 2005 Kona Blast and picked it up yesterday. I received great advice from the $500 thread in particular Raiyn.

In this pic it's in urban mode (my wife's hybrid is behind and my daughters' wagon is hooked up to my bike). Looking forward to the end of the spring thaw and the end of the muddy, muddy conditions. The MTB club I joined is still only doing road events.

I do intend to replace the wheel reflectors with reflective tape on the rim.