Hmmm....OK - I posted on your other thread too. The cross check and the LHT are both awesome bikes, but they aren't light. I have ridden my cross check 80 miles in a day, but I really wouldn't want to ride 80 hilly miles. It's about 26 pounds and (except for a brooks and a generator hub) is a pretty light build. Why are they pushing you towards a cross bike instead of a road bike? Is there something in particular a cross bike will do that you want? Another touring type bike to look at (if that's the direction you want to go) is the Trek 520.

CA