Originally Posted by
BigBlueToe
I wouldn't try and argue that the LHT is the best touring bike available, though I would argue that there aren't many bikes that are significantly better. I would argue that it's a really good tourer for a really good price. The Trek 520 is a bike I'd consider. How much more expensive is it? I saw a Cannondale tourer at my LBS this week - the one with curved forks (I'm not sure of the different C'dale models.) It looked beautiful, and I've heard really good things about Cannondale tourers, but they wanted $1800 for it.
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The LHT has msrp of $1,095 on the Surly website (does not come with pedals)
The Trek520 has msrp of $1,319 on their website
1,800 is starting to get pricey. I could shell it out if convinced there is a big jump in quality and a much better long term investment. However, I know I am going to want/need a lot of accessories that are going to make it really add up (bags, cpu etc. and I'll be in the market for a little bit of camping gear too)