Originally Posted by
vja4Him
Please help me decide which bike to buy. I just sent in my tax returns today, so I know how much I have to work with. The Surly Cross Check is at the top of my list, but I can afford to spend more -- around $1,500-1,800, or perhaps a little more, not counting all the extras and upgrades.
What would be a comparable bike to the Cross Check, but perhaps a little lighter? Still able to carry front and rear racks/panniers, and pull a Bob Ibex once in awhile for short distances (shopping mostly).
I will be using the bike mostly for commuting, runnings errands and shopping. Plan on short camping trips (3-5 nights). Someday maybe a trip up to Yosemite ....
I have the 2008 Surly LHT, and it's proven itself an excellent choice for commuting and for touring, and easily my favorite bike of all time. It's a bit on the heavy side, though; if you're into a fast, responsive bike, the LHT isn't your first choice. It's more like a 1950's Buick: big, comfy, solid, good components, great for long rides and beer runs, but not a bicycling sports car by any stretch of the imagination. It all depends on what you want.
Before I settled on the LHT, I also carefully tried out the Cross Check, the Bianchi Volpe, the Jamis Aurora, REI's touring bike, I forget what it's called, a used Rivendell Atlantis, and the Trek 520. I really liked the Cross Check, but I liked the Bianchi Volpe even better. If I wanted a lighter, zippier, less beefy bike than the LHT, but still good for commuting and light touring, I'd take a long look at the Volpe before I made my final purchase.