Originally Posted by
kesroberts
I have had a double cross since '06 and love it, but it does feel a little flexy when really loaded with a lot (mine is 60cm - maybe smaller is stiffer?). BUT I really only noticed it on a tour my wife and I did in 2007 when she was pregnant and I was carrying much more of the total gear that I otherwise would have to make things easier on her. I got it because I had had a Cannondale t2000 that was great for loaded riding, but rode like a tank for unloaded riding. The Soma is a nice lively ride under loaded and un-. It's now my main road bike since it fits better than my old racing bike. OTOH - my wife has a long haul trucker and loves it too, so look at that one perhaps. In fact we did a ride yesterday on some rough gravel and dirt/mud roads that the LHT handled well (with a 2 year old in the kid seat too)
KES
I took a look at the LHT. Unfortunately the size 54 is too small and the size 56 is too big. The 54 would work it had 700c wheels. It's a great dedicated touring rig, but a serious tank for commuting and general riding. I'll 5'9", 155 pds, so I'm not that concerned about frame flex; even with 40 pds of gear the X check for dbl X would probably be fine.
I'll also take a look at the Novara Randonee and Safari. I like the Safari frame a bit more, but Randonee has better components. They're both such great deals though...