I'm hardly an expert on bike geometry, but I just read a review of the Surly Cross Check in issue 5 of a magizine called "Bicycle Times" .It seems to fill the bill for a really good commuter option. I think that the OP should do some research and be able to articulate to himself what the differences of the two bikes are; and why one suites his purposes more than the other

LHT for the win. It really is a great bike. I purchased a LHT a few years ago for commuting and haven't looked back.

Side comment: just because a lot of people use Brooks saddles doesn't make it a club people join to be cool. They are a very practical and comfortable solution. I've been riding them for a long time (one Brooks I own I've been riding consistently for 20 years!) and while there are other saddles I like and use, there are really good reasons for the Brook's popularity.

Congrats Austinite on the LHT.

And they're also not for everyone... I gave one a try for about a year and decided that it just wasn't for me. Everyone on here touts them, but I found mine to be uncomfortable.

no problem, the toe overlap was bad on my 700c LHT with SKS fenders but much improved with PB Cascadia fenders since the struts were higher and I was only hitting the mudflap and not the struts. Just the same the overlap seemed worse than the CrossCheck. My preference for around town/commuting riding is good maneuverability and the 700c 56cm LHT didn't have it the same way the Cross Check did although the low bb was nice on the LHT. That little 1/4" was more convenient when standing at intersections.
The 56cm 26"LHT has better maneuverability, more like the CrossCheck , than the 700c version but this is all splitting hairs. If a person likes X bike that's they one they'll ride.

Touring bikes often make great commuters... they are spec'd with durable frames, components and meant to carry loads. If you plan todo tours or such it's not a bad idea to use your touring bicycle as a commuter. Many LHT pull a lot of commuting duties. Why somebody would want to hop on a totally different bicycle with all the quirks that brings when it comes time to tour makes no sense to me. I doubt it would make sense to you either because you're on a budget and can't afford or don't want to be bothered by keeping another bicycle around for commuting just to save a few lbs off the frame... keep in mind though that the LHT is one of the more "touring" styled bicycles out there(long wheelbase) so it won't be as twitchy as a road bicycle(that can be a good thing when it comes to potholes or a bad thing when trying to track-stand)

I'm really close to getting one of the beautiful blue LHTs, too. I'm waiting to find out if I got a new job that is 15 miles away (10 miles more than my current commute) and pays more $$ before I pull the trigger.

If you get one, enjoy it.

I just got a LHT myself through the REI sale, mainly for commuting and errands. Rode it for about 40 miles this past weekend and really enjoyed it. It's heavy but didn't feel too slow. Sure, it's probably more bike than I need at this point, but I like the fact it has all the braze-ons that I'd ever need and that I could tour with it in the future when I can afford the time.

I don't think you can go wrong with it. Get it and have fun with it!

I've used my LHT daily over the past year (in Portland, OR) and have had zero problems. If you are going to tour, bring your loaded panniers into the shop and make sure that they work on the rack and the bike before making your purchase. For me, I had significant heel clearance issues on the Trek 520.