I have a 56 cm 26" LHT and it is a great bike, not sporty but it can tour, haul a load, get groceries ,and even take you on a century ride. it's not a sporty bike and never will be, it is what it is My "road" type tourer is a Vassago Fisticuff, this bike has a bit of a sporty feel. The fisti can fit fat tires, take disc, canti or v brakes, fenders and a rear rack. front rack is possible with a tubus fork mounting kit. The wheels are Velocity Chukkers handbuilt w/ double butted spokes. I have toured unsupported and supported on this bike, raced cyclocross, commuted and even tackled a little singletrack with it. It has beefed up tubing that is clyde friendly, I weigh anywhere from 225 to 240 ish depending on the season. The Fisti is my go to bike for commuting and long distance road rides. The trucker is for fully loaded touring/grocery getting and my Troll is for the dirt touring and MTB. N+1...you need a bike for all occasions. http://www.vassagocycles.com/fisticuff/