Trek 520 handles heavy loads well. I agree with gonesh9 that it rides better loaded then unloaded. It just feels smoother and more responsive somehow compared to when it's light but empty of weight.

The Surly Crosscheck is indeed more nimble in the steering but still handles weight on the rear rack well. I have a Norco Axiom Tour du Monde back there and I've loaded it commutting heavy a few times without problem (think notebook computer, clothes, books, pager, cell phone, chargers, two saddlebags completely loaded).

I haven't toured on the Crosscheck yet although I plan to do so as a fixed-gear in the next little while. I believe that one option for a front rack might be to replace the existing Surly Crosscheck fork with a Surly Long-Haul one if you really want the mid-fork braze-ons.

Of interest the Trek 520 fork can't handle as large tires as it appears that the Surly Cross check one can. With fenders I currently have 700 X 35c tires on there. With recent fender mounting changes I MIGHT be able to get 700 X 38c tires on. The much better clearance on the Surly Crosscheck fork will definately allow me to mount larger tires and fenders with much more clearance.

I can't comment on gearing related issues since I bought the frame and had it built up as a fixed-gear bike using the Surly Fixed/Free hub. It's a great bike that I enjoy a great deal, commute on it 99% of the time and have noticied a real increase in my initial touring fitness level as a result of riding fixed so much!

Of course an advantage of having both is that now I leave the Trek 90% loaded and ready to go for the next tour. Just add clothes, some food supplies, replenish the water, add the thermarest and go! Much nicer then doing the packing/repacking thing.

~Jamie N