I've had a Soma Double Cross for about 7 years and have done six tours lasting from a week or so to over three months. It's been a very solid bike, both for touring and for rides around town. I like the fact that I can bash down single track if I feel the urge. The main thing that sold me on the frame was the fit. I'm about 5'5", so my choices in frames that had 27" wheels were limited. I did a Serrota bike fit, then set down and chose an off the shelf frame that I could use for touring. The geometry of the Soma was an almost perfect match. I also like the fact that the tubing on the Soma is a bit stiffer than some other touring frames. I've never had numb spots, sore wrists, shoulders, knees, or any other physical problems related to the bike. Someone who really knows about bike fits are worth hunting down, and some bike shops will comp the cost of the fit if you buy a bike from them.

This in mind, fit should be a top priority. A lot of people in this forum want to argue or pontificate over the "best" frame (LHT being a flavor of the month sort of thing), drive train, etc. It's all for nothing if the frame dosen't fit, or isn't suited for what you want to use the bike for! I also disagree that the statement that the Soma frame can't support a heavy load, as before I learned what I could do without, I use to carry some stupidly heavy loads.

Bonne chance!
Steve