I've been doing similar shopping. My commute has a short gravel road stretch and some sidewalk sections, and I've done it on treaded 32's no problem. Not sure about 25's or whatever comes on a road bike, but no need for the 38's on a cross bike either. There's less rain here in Sac and I still have a truck so need for fenders is rare. I think either style is pretty racy and doesn't look great with a rack. But I really want brifters, and touring bikes all have barcons. Touring bikes also all seem to be really long and low. But touring bikes have a lot of chrome and look good with racks.