A full carbon cyclocross bike is way out of your price range. But the carbon seat stays and fork on my Tri-cross expert double haven't caused any problems for me. I wouldn't go SS, but that's up to you. Those top bar levers are darn convenient. Convenient enough that I have actually considered adding them to my road bike. It is very comforting to be able to grab a big handful of brake easily when the rims get a little wet without going into the drops. I run 32 mm specialized burroughs tires, and they serve me well for street and limestone trail riding, saves me a lot of tire switching.

If I had to give up my bikes one by one, my Tri-cross would be the last to go.