Originally Posted by
AlexReynolds
My opposition to the Surly is that the size of frame I would get (53cm) only takes 26" wheels. The 26" wheels I have seen on a LHT look tiny, and make it look like a children's bicycle, compared with 700c wheels. I'd prefer to ride on 700c wheels. Otherwise, the price seems okay.
Having built a chromoly bicycle frame and knowing what the raw materials cost, I don't think I could bring myself to pay Surly's price for the LHT. The 26" wheels are actually an advantage in my book! My touring bike has 700c wheels and I can't tell you how many times I've jammed my foot into the fenders thanks to the toe overlap...
That said, if I had to chose between the three frames you list I'd buy the Jamis Aurora Elite. I'm a big fan of both SRAM and disc brakes. I also wouldn't discount riding a bike with an aluminum frame. My touring bike uses Nashbar's $100 aluminum touring frame. My build is 5lbs lighter than the Aurora Elite and, with 700x35 tires, rides almost as well as my carbon fiber road bike...