Welcome to TE. Okay, those who know me may say "here she goes again" but please, please, please go ride a Surly before you purchase this new bike. There are dealers in Pa and Md. Here is the link to the Surly Website If you can, call some of the Intergalatic Dealers - often they have inventory on the floor and they have the most knowledge about the types of bikes. A Surly Cross Check, Surly Straggler, Surly Disc Trucker all would be perfect for what you have described in your post. Price point is right on, tires options galore PLUS you can have Fenders and Racks and still have a nice fun bike to ride. A skinny tire is not always the best choice and not always the fastest either - that is another topic so for now I am sticking to go ride some Surly's. We sell them in Idaho and have many happy customers who do very similar riding. Good Luck and happy to answer questions.