I agree, low speed turns are the big problem because that's when you just HAVE to pedal sometimes--too slow to coast. I stop and start a lot at intersections and just about did and endo the other day taking off from a stop when my front wheel was turned a little and I was standing and leaning forward to power across the street--toe caught, stopped the front wheel dead and the back end came right up.

I'm afraid I'm going to be hard to please here since I'd like to keep away from skinny tires, keep my fenders and my cranks. Besides the Las Cruces (which is a little out of my price range, dang it) does anyone have specific suggestions about a bike that would work here? Anyone have a Surly LHT or an REI Randonee? Or another cross bike?