I have noticed alot of spacers (under the stem) used in pictures of surly long haul truckers. Is there a reason for this? I know a touring bike needs to be comfy, but it seems a little different than other touring bike photos i have seen. I am 6'4 (194cm) and I am thinking about a 62cm frame for the lht or cross check. I haven't sat on one yet, but i would be turned off by having to use a half dozen spacers to make the ride comfy. Maybe this is what is used on all touring bikes? I currently do all my touring on an older mountain bike.
If you don't want to use spacers get an angled stem and mount it lower. Also make sure you are riding a big enough frame as a smaller one will need more spacers.
I ride a 58cm LHT with an uncut steerer and a bunch of spacers - looks fine to me and works well.