Hi everyone,

I'm planning a cross-country trip with my wife for this summer, and after much reading on this and other sites, have narrowed my bike selection down to what seem to be two rivals in a feud as old as time -- the Trek 520 and the Surly Long Haul Trucker (I was looking into REI's Rondanee too, but they told me they don't make one big enough for my size).

I know there have been other discussions of these bikes on here, but I'm bringing this up again to see if anyone has more to say around the 2014 models. The most intuitive advice I've received is to just test ride everything and go with the best fit. The problem is, after riding both outside shops, I'm no closer to having an opinion one way or another. So...thoughts?

If either have a reputation for fitting different body types better, I'm 6'4" with a slight to average build. Normal (I think!) proportions in leg and torso length.

Lastly, if this debate really is purely tribal, can anyone comment on the quality of the stock components that ship with the 2014 models? I've no intention of upgrading anything as I'll be buying enough new gear as it is with the panniers, clip-in shoes, etc.

Trek 520 2014 specs

Surly LHT 2014 specs

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!