Thanks everyone... I know what you mean about the surly mental image. These bikes originally struck me as so totally BOY... but alas, they are just great bikes. I rode a couple of sizes on the cross check, but decided mainly on the LHT because.... well, it was available in 2008 still. I have heard nothing but good things about these bikes and I'm super stoked. Thanks for the good wishes everyone. I'll post a review when I get it (but I won't go on a proper tour on it until spring).