[QUOTE=mycoatl] In the PNW this makes a lot of sense--several passes are closed during the winter, but the roads often become snowfree before they're opened again in the summer.

If this is the kind of thing you're thinking about, I'd recommend going the mtn. bike route instead of the vintage route. Cyclocross would be fine, but most cyclocross bikes only use a double up front instead of a triple. QUOTE]

I'm moving to Portland next year for school, and this is exaclty what I'm talking about. I will be doing at first shorter touring trips, maybe out to the coast, but eventually I know I'll head into the mountains.

Do you think a cyclocross could handle fireroads? My buddy has a Lemond Poprad that he fit with a 3 ring crank up front. I could try something like that and use it for the long tours AND the shorter, more rugged trips in the mountains.

I just need versatility--that's why I'm leaning away from a MTN frame--I don't like putting in long road miles on them as commuters.