again, thanks all for your advice. it was a tough choice, but in the end i went with the rockey mountain sherpa and so far caouldn't be happier..... i'll be heading out on my first loaded trip next week, but in the meantime i've been putting on the km's to get ourselves aquained. the LHT sounded pretty sweet, but i just couldn't do it without trying it out first, and regardless i have no regret with my purchase. its a pretty solid bike. i just randomly stumbled upon this forum while doing some reserach, but now hopefully i can oficially 'join your club' ... WOOOOOOO!