Checking the specs of the LHT, I find the following:

Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra, FD-4403 triple
Rear Derailleur Shimano XT, RD-M761 SGS long cage
Cassette Shimano Deore, CS-HG53. 9-speed. 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34t
Crankset Andel, Forged arms, Silver. Aluminum rings, 110mm BCD, 48-36-26t

I understand from Catriona that this is a mountain bike rear cassette. Is this a full mountain bike setup, or something else? I hope my question is clear, this is new enough to me that it is hard to know how to word my question

I live in Indiana. Central Indiana is FLAT with the occasional bump they call a hill. However, there are places I really want to ride in southern Indiana that DO have hills, and of course there is also East Tennessee I already have a bike suited to Central Indiana, Stella is great for flat roads!

I am quite sure that the as-of-yet-unnamed LHT will also get to go on flat roads just for the sheer fun of long rides on a steel steed... so I just want to understand what the stock gearing is so I can make an informed decision on whether to keep the stock components or not.

Surly Pacer, thanks for your kind words (and everyone else). I made a good purchase with Stella, she is a great bike. I want, however, to understand more about what I am buying this time