sounds like a cyclocross would be a better choice for you, with one you can tackle off road trails(not rock climbing, but off mup) put fenders on, you can get nice wide tires and you still have the drop down handle bars for strong headwinds or when you wanna go fast. they are a bit heavier than road bikes and fixes but alot lighter than any mtb in your price range.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ntom_cross.htm
has a carbon fork, good compoents tigra/105 mix, eyelets for fenders/painers, decent rims (better than stock alex rims).

only thing i'd upgrade would be the brakes, get the kool stop salmon, they are made for rain conditions and have really great stoping power year round.