Respectfully disagree. I rode both, hard, for an extended time on commutes and errands and the LHT was better *for me*. The cross-check had (as cross bikes do) a higher bottom bracket that I didn't need and unnecessarily raised the center of gravity. Also had steering geometry that created TONS and TONS of toe interference with the front fender. And yes, I consider full, super-long, wide fenders to be essential for a daily rider. Also, the LHT has longer chainstays for carrying panniers. On my commute, I needed decent sized ones. I carry a biggish laptop, lunch, clothes. Not that the cross-check couldn't do that, but it couldn't do it with as much room for error on heel strike.

So I bought the LHT. And no, I didn't buy into the whole Brooks thing. It's not a club I joined, it's just a bike.