I love my LHT for commuting and touring. Before I test rode one I was checking out cross bikes myself. I had ridden a Masi cross bike that I liked, and might have gone with. I also rode a Cross Check myself. I found the Cross Check to be a heavier bike than that and most other cross bikes I rode. When I rode the LHT, it was all over, though. I find the ride to be quite comfortable loaded and unloaded.