Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. I do have a couple more questions.

Really, is there anything that a cyclocross bike can do that a touring bike can't? It seems that the answer is no, that the tourer might give up a few pounds, but otherwise, no.

I see so many positive posts on here about the Surly LHT. First off, the LHT will likely be at least $150 more expensive (budget, again, is important), though it comes stock with wider tires and lower gearing.

My main use of the bike, though, will be a combination of road riding for fitness and riding on crushed limestone rail trials. I want the ability to tour in the future, but honestly, that will not be the bike's primary use.

So given that, which is basically my desire for a road bike (but one that can take wider tires and fit racks/fenders), would the better choice be the LHT or the Aurora? Would the LHT be heavier?

Or is it more that once one settles on a touring bike in that price range, is it just preference on fit/color/bar-end v. STI shifters/etc.?

Thanks again.