...on buying a Surly LHT.

After severe tantrums (my daughter is the best at them and taught me well), promises of sacrifice, and commitments to visiting the in-laws my wife finally gave me the go ahead for the purchase of a Surly LHT complete.

I have been doing my research for months and everything I have read keeps pointing me back to the LHT but I wanted to make sure there were not any unchecked angles. I checked the Cross-Check but I think I like the more upright positioning and options on the LHT. I checked the Raleigh Clubman but there were just a few things in the setup that I didn't really care for.

Are there any other bikes I should give my attention to before purchasing the LHT?

My budget is right around $1200 out the door. That includes the bike and any easy changes that still allow me to commute the very next day....things like a better saddle and such.

90% of the time in the saddle will be daily commuting. Range is anywhere from 5-40 miles depending on the route I want to take.

7% of the time will be touring, overnight to five days in length. I have plans to do a ride the coast of California but that is on hold till 2012 and till I can find someone to ride with me.

2% of the time will be grocery runs (most of the time these are combined into the commute).

1% of the time will be spent trying to look cool to attractive women in bikinis and hoping they might find copious amounts of back hair a turn-on.