Hi there,

I'm starting to prepare myself to do a self-guided light tour earlier next year from amsterdam to paris (very good and flat roads from what I've seen so far) and I'm looking at what bike I should buy.

After reading lots of different posts around the forum and visiting the shops here in Lisbon I've narrowed my choices to

- LHT
- Kona Sutra
- Surly Cross check

I'm a bit more inclined to the cross check, since I'll probably won't carry much weight to justify the other two, but I'm a little worried that it won't be comfortable in the long run.

I know I should test them for fit, but the problem is the LBS only has the LHT to test, if I were to buy one of the others I would have to order it without testing.

Any ideas on what I should do?

Also, my girlfriend has an herniated disc, will the LHT be more comfortable for her back? Should she look at a VSF Fahrrad (they seem to have a more upright riding position)? Any tips to prevent further damage to her back?

Best