misc. thoughts, I wish there were folks that made small panniers, I had a pair of small ones that I gave away that would be perfect for this kind of trip, about 9"x9"x4".

A low bb is a nice attribute, I had an Argos road bike that was incredibly secure feeling for fast descents. The original steel Specialized Sequoia fits the op description. I rode one up and down the mtn on Maui. I wonder how the present aluminum/carbon ones feel? I have to say the tri-cross is a VERY comfy ride.

The problem with some cyclo-cross frames is that they have high bb like criterium bikes which is unnecessary for upright riding.

I don't see the need for heavy touring wheels if the 145lb rider is carrying a light load. My main wheels 25yrs ago ,when rims weren't as strong as todays, was 36 straight 15gauge cad plated spokes on superchampion gentleman rims. I rode on dirt roads in Colorado for a stretch on those.

I could see some decent training wheels holding up fine for a light rider not carrying much gear, 32 hole Synergy on the front with 36holeOC on the rear. That's what I've got for light wheels on my LHT. Anything that would whack those out for a light rider would probably be sending bike and rider in different directions anyway.