Barring an unusual influx of dollars, this will be the ride for Trans Iowa V.2. I'm primarily a roadie so drop bars are a given though these are short and shallow. Bar ends shifting is durable and reliable. ST Thudbuster smooths the ride, Rockshox SID is pretty light and locks out for the gravel road stuff. If the weather is dry I might take a CX bike along. If extra money does come along it will go toward training trips.