I don't want to threadjack but I'm in the market for a bicycle, and I ended up reading this thread while doing research.

My question is related to mountain bikes as all rounders, but specifically which one. I'm a newbie and I'm usually able to sort out what I want through research but getting a new bicycle after 20 years....well I could use some help. I didn't realize just how many freakin' options there were.

Anyways I'm looking to pull the kiddie trailer, run errands, etc. I won't be doing any dirt or unpaved riding with the exception of hard packed gravel on bike trails, and packed dirt 'shortcut' paths through wooded areas; those trails that seem to be the shortest route from A to B for people walking.

I'm looking at the following:
-Specialized CrossTrail (which one is best bang for buck)
-Trek Soho
-Trek SU 100/200 (which one is best bang for buck)
-Cannondale Bad Boy (which one is best bang for buck)

*Any cyclocross or road bikes? I'd consider something with a wide drop bar too.

I've ignored the tire width's as I don't know how much it will matter for what I want to do. I'm assuming wider would cover more bases but what's the diff with regard to rolling resistance?

Basically, I want the lightest and fastest bike that will let me do what I want, while not being hugely expensive. I'm good in the $1000 area. Actually, I'd appreciate any used references. I found some Bad Boy's on ebay at a good price.

I started out looking at touring type bikes (http://www.marinoni.qc.ca/EN/Bikes/Touring/Turismo.htm) as it has panniers but I don't think that they are quite right for pulling a trailer!

Anyways, I could use some help!

Thanks!