Cyclocross bikes. Look a lot like a road bike drop bars ect but with enough room to run a beefier set of tires. Trek xo1 are running about 1200-1300 surley crosschecks and redlines are a bit cheaper priced you would have to look in your area.

We use them around here in the off season as training bikes on the roads mount lights and ride amish country after dark. ANd to race cross on.