Originally Posted by sstorkel

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...