Originally Posted by
Cyclaholic
There's the LHT, then there's everything else trying to be as good.
Again, I've got to question: As good at what?
The LHT and Cross Check are both excellent bikes, but I think it's essential to distinguish the type of riding you'll be doing before chosing a bike. The LHT is a fantastic touring frame, but I wouldn't want one on a congested city commute where I'd need a sharp turning radius and quick manouverability. The Cross Check is awesome as a commuter and distance bike (I have one), but with it's higher bottom bracket I wouldn't load the panniers on it as a long distance touring rig.
Either bike is going to work well for long distances, but if you're looking for a more aggressive position in the saddle and tighter handling from the bike, the Cross Check is the way to go. If you want a more relaxed position in the saddle and effortless straight-line tracking from the bike, then the LHT is a better choice.