Originally Posted by
pdlamb
If they're available nearby, go ride each one and pick the one you like to ride the best. I did that some time ago, and the Cannondale I went to buy at the (2nd) nearest REI turned out to be a Novara.
For your son, you might think about the 26" wheel LHT.
Otherwise, they're all good bikes, purpose built for touring. Note that the Safari is tuned for rougher roads (maybe even unpaved) than the Randonee.
Looking at the other tourists' bikes on my cross-country ride a few years back, I guess 40% were LHTs, 25% were Randonnees, 15% were 520s, and "everything else" accounted for the rest.
+1 And get one for yourself w/700 wheels. His will hold it's value when it's time to upsize.
On a tour of Ireland, Wales and Scotland a few years ago this was my estimate as well. Mine is a Softride World Traveler 3x7 sp. w/Rsx comps. Woefully outdated, but ok for the time.