iforgotmename

I have an LHT and love the bike. I ride it loaded and unloaded and the ride is great either way. The bike is a 56cm 26in and just completed a 325 mile supported charity ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati in four days without an issue. I also loaded toured on it, grocery shop, commute and just ride on. It is stable and comfortable and I can hit 20 mph with 2.0 tires on it so it's not slow. Altough sometimes I am slow my average cruising speed is 14-16. Both are great bikes I just am partial to the LHT

iforgotmename

Here are some pics of mine...shameless I was a bit overpacked on my first self supported tour.

RichardGlover

I was going to mention the Salsa Casseroll, but somebody beat me to it. Probably a midway point between the Pacer and the LHT - definitely a road bike, not a Cross, but can run racks and such like the CC. Comes with a front rack that's begging for a quality bag on it.

bigwies

I just went through this same decision process and decided to go with the LHT. I am still waiting (impatiently) for it to arrive at my LBS. I am 6'1" 330 lb, so i figured i qualify as fully loaded all by myself. I really liked the fact that the LHT has 36 spoke wheels vs. 32 spoke for the CC and I really wanted to stay with a triple. My current Trek 7100 hybrid has served me well, but I wanted something that would be more comfortable on rides over 30 miles. I did a 1/2 century earlier this year and the last 10 miles were quite uncomfortable on my current steed. The switch from aluminum to steel is going to make a big difference for me.

I don't think you can go too far wrong with either choice, so do your test rides and pick the one the feels best to you. I did a test ride of an LHT and just knew I had to have one.

Good luck

thestoutdog

If you want to wait, Surly has many new offerings in the works! https://www.surlybikes.com/blog/

gunner65

LHT with discs.....Nice

Rhodabike

Do try other manufacturers touring and cyclocross bikes as well, if you have access to them. It may seem, from reading these forums, as if Surly is the only company in the world making these types of bikes, but there are others on the market.

Mithrandir

Such as?

Rhodabike

Rocky Mountain Sherpa (love mine), Opus Legato, Marin Four Corners, Norco CCX (cyclocross) series, Jamis Aurora, Kona Sutra, Trek 520, Masi Speciale Randoneur...

rawhite1969

I considered the same two bikes and ended up with a Torker Interurban. Is set up similar to the CC, and has eyelets for racks and fenders.

Love the bike!

redvespablur

I had cross check. Fell in love with the idea but in the end I found it rather uncomfortable and heavy. Nice long wheelbase made it feel pretty plush but it was was not very comfortable for me. I got a custom Zona tubed sport bike with gargantuan Alpha Q z-pro fork and have been much happier. My surly was a 62 in the British racing green - great looking bike. Bonus on the surly is pretty good resale if it is not to your liking.

Archinutt

I have some movement on this issue. I have decided on the cross check. Test rode and all that. Decided that stock works surprisingly well with one hitch. I really want the STI action, but it is over what I have saved. What is the cheapest, but reliable way to pick up what I need (next research is what I need). I know a lot of people do eBay. Is there a good source find out exactly what I need?

Regardless I just need to go and order the bike. It is -5 degrees this week, and I am no icy rider so I have time.

I also need to select a rack and bags (14 mile commute with work clothes and lunch etc).

socalrider

Crosscheck can have double or triple.. Build it how you want it.. The Crosscheck is a nice blend between a road bike and touring bike.. It gives you lots of options and is a smooth ride.. I know a few people that also use them for long touring with no issues.

Archinutt

Both shops kind of talked me out of the triple. I am going to bite and see if the shifting is that much better

MileHighMark

The Cross Check will be a little sportier than the LHT. If you're always carrying something (besides yourself), the LHT would be a good choice, otherwise it's overkill for most folks. Depending on your budget, you may want to check out the Salsa Vaya.

rawhite1969

I'd ask the LBS to give you some recommendations on STI options for you to have later. you may like the CC shifting, but if you decide to change, then you know what you need in order to do that.

Archinutt

After doing more research I may go back to the position of trying the bar ends for a season. People seem to love them. Plus I have my giant with 105 if I want the STI for the weekend quicker trips.

Archinutt

Ordering the bike this week. Finally have the money.

I know this is an exhausted topic but I will have 700 wheels but need advice on size.

rawhite1969

Wheel size or tire size? If is tires, I'm a big fan of having a couple of sizes in the garage. A long ride on great roads can allow for a skinnier tire, whereas commuting on crappy city streets means fatter and softer, IMO. Having a set of CX tires around isn't bad either if your bike will fit them.

RichardGlover

I run 700x32s on both my commuter and my long-distance road bike.

Tire width doesn't really impact speed, as long as they're properly inflated. What DOES impact speed is overall wheel+tire weight - and that only impacts how fast you speed up, slow down, and hill climbs. And the difference is so minor that it's not worth talking about unless you're racing, or riding in a paceline, where the extra 1-2 seconds to climb a hill might be the difference between staying with the group or getting dropped.

If I ever get to the point where I need faster tires, I'll get lighter rims and rubber. But I don't think I'll ever go thinner than 32s or 28s. I might go with 35s for a plusher ride.

Archinutt

I almost went with the 32's, but decided on the 28's. I figure if I am switching from a massive aluminum frame and 23's that I always max inflate to a nice steel frame that I might just be ok. I think my next set of tires might be the bigger ones just to see.

I order the bike tomorrow, I am excited. All of my racks and paniers etc should show up tomorrow.

Archinutt

Well, this saga has successfully ended, with a bit of a twist. I went in to order the crosscheck and the guys at the shop basically said, " you know how you wanted STI shifters, a triple, and you needed to buy pedals? Well we were thinking about it and the bianchi volpe has all of that with better steel and it only cost $50 more than the stock built up crosscheck, what you are giving up are lesser hubs but still very good at this price". They had my size and I test rode it. I loved it but had to think about it because I had already made my mind up. I basically had to decide what the brand image and the robins egg blue was worth to me. I was surprised the pull this had. Anyway, I did research on the bike and a few days later went with the volpe. I put all my stuff on it and got the pro fitting that came with the bike. What a difference in ride quality even with 700 28's. I get the love of steel frames. I like the color, but I was excited about the blue frame.

Anyway, thanks for everyone's help. You guys are great I will post a picture.

Archinutt

The classic garage door picture

bradtx

Archinutt, My older daughter has had a Volpe for years and despite hard use it's proven to be an excellent bike. Congrats.

Brad

Zoxe

It's funny, but I did exactly the same thing a couple years back. I lurked on the Surly and Specialized pages for weeks and agonized over the decision between CC, LHT, or TriCross. Went to the local Specialized dealer to ride an Allez and TriCross and he made me a deal I couldn't refuse on a Bianchi Imola. It was the previous years' model and he had several he needed to move. Significant discount plus a free swap to Shimano pedals.

I love the Bianchi. It's been a great ride. But I still lurk on the Surly page.

Very similar to yours, here's mine: