Thanks guys. Yeah, the triathlon thing is just an idea - not really part of the question.
"Touring in China" or touring other places with a heavy load - I think you can use front racks on the LHT but not the cross check?
Is the LHT a fun bike to ride around everyday?
I have been leaning towards the cross check for awhile, I just want to make sure it can carry the load needed for a month or two of touring with camping gear.
Thanks