I'll agree completely with Charles Vail. If I had the change, I would have gotten a LHT or Cross-Check with a killer wheelset, and probably never bought another bike. They are sweet rides, and the "complete" bikes are awesome builds for clydes.
I'll also agree with charles on tire width. I've ridden 25 and (*GASP*) 23mm road tires, I didn't feel comfortable on either. 32mm is probably as narrow as I would ever comfortably go, I rode some 28's and while they are fine, I'm not comfortable with them. 32mm is a great compromise for me, they are *FAST*, stable, and ride well. My rear rim is a Sun RhynoLite so I pretty much can't go below a 28mm
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Anyway, steel is the way to go. Surly's are built like tanks, as are Trek 520's and most any quality steel road/touring/cross bike you will find.