The crossroads is actually a pretty decent bike. If I were you, I'd invest in a hand built wheel rather than an "off the shelf bike shop said they had this in the back closet" type wheel.

Buyy a new rim, some new DT spoke and have good wheel builder build it for you, I bet it last a long time.
No reason why a 700 X 38 won't hold you other than a lousy build or cheap wheel.

Gina has a Crossroads and it has been a great bike over the years since we bought it in 94.