mvallejo, I had the same thoughts when it came to me purchasing my surly... In the end I opted for the cross check. The ability to set it up however you want is too tempting.. not to mention that when it comes to touring I can still roll with front and rear panniers or a bob/extrawheel trailer!

If you're looking for a versatile back that will handle (pretty much) anything you can throw at it, go with the cross check. If you're wanting a dedicated tourer/road bike go with the LHT. I'm not too familiar with the trek's or how they ride/handle different set up's but i'm sure they're sweet. But speaking from experience with my cross check (now set up at the moment as a flat bar single speed urban commuter) its a great bike and I cant wait to put a touring gears & either get a trailer behind me or some panniers! Either way I'm sure it'll handle just fine!