Sorry to bring up an old thread, but I've been starting to seriously consider doing the Great Divide this summer since it looks like I might be able to make the time off from work to do it. This will be my first bike tour, although I have done some kayak touring and other related activities, but I have a similar question about bike suitability for the route. I will need to get a touring-capable bike and have been wanting a Long-Haul-Trucker with the 26" wheels (54cm) and was wondering if there would be any reason I would seriously regret taking a bike like that on the Great Divide rather than a hardtail mountain bike. I would imagine that the longer chainstays would make climbing more difficult and the obvious lack of front suspension may beat me to death (but would seem better for hauling front panniers). I need advice from the more experienced bikers out there, so let me know what you think...