Fit and function: Redline Classic vs LHT vs Surly CC vs ??

[Owlie]

The LHT, position-wise, might be best, but it's designed for heavily-loaded touring and handling under the weight that goes with it. Unloaded, it's probably not terribly responsive.

I'd take a closer look at the Cross-check. It'll do paved, unpaved bike path-type things, and light touring--just swap out the tires if you want. There are fit tweaks for a more upright position that can be done. It's probably heavier than a bike specifically to race CX, but that's not a big deal, provided that you can still lift it. (That's all I ask for in a bike, really.)

[Catrin]

The LHT, position-wise, might be best, but it's designed for heavily-loaded touring and handling under the weight that goes with it. Unloaded, it's probably not terribly responsive.

No, it is very...stable. With the stock wheels unloaded probably overly-stable. Different wheels would likely change that. If the OP happened to run across a used one it would be worth checking out.

[lindah]

How do you think the Cross Chk compares to LHT in terms of allowing an upright position?

Also, how does Cross Chk compare to Redline CC in terms of allowing upright position?

THANKS AGAIN.

[Savra]

I'm just jumping into the conversation. I have a similar inseam and was told the 46 was best for me. I love my LHT! I just finished an eight day tour and really found my bike comfortable. The reach was perfect, my Brooks Flyer S saddle was awesome!! It is heavy but I kept up with two guys going 15 - 18 mph a lot. The LHT was very stable - I road down some hills going 34mph without feeling at all unstable and when I got out of the seat for some hill climbing it was good. Of course, I don't know anything about the other bikes. I do know I was thinking of a LHT or a Crosscheck and decided on the LHT because with my size it was the best fit.
Good luck.

[moderncyclista]

I'll chip in my two bits as well.

I love my LHT. One of my favorite bikes ever. I have a lovely and very customized 520, but I just keep pulling the LHT out to ride - all. the. time.

Riding position is very upright but I find that extremely comfortable. No hand pain with the bars up as high as they are. I ride a 46cm and I'm 5'3'' with a 28 inch inseam. Perfect fit and smiles the whole time. They are just that type of bike, I guess. Best of luck!

[Catrin]

I love my LHT....but I love my custom Gunnar even more... I never thought that my LHT would become my back-up and trainer bike. Poor LHT...I think I need to ride it soon so it doesn't get depressed - I haven't ridden it since May

[Owlie]

You should take her out before she starts acting up.

(On a related note, I really hope my Giant doesn't find out that I've been test-riding other bikes. )

[Catrin]

You should take her out before she starts acting up.

(On a related note, I really hope my Giant doesn't find out that I've been test-riding other bikes. )

Indeed I should - I was going to yesterday for my Friday AM ride, but my hip was troubling me a bit when I got up so rode the Gunnar instead. She is a comfy bike, but I have a harder time in the hills with her than I do my Gunnar - though to be fair I do have a full mountain drivetrain on the Gunnar, while it is a mixed mountain/road drivetrain on the LHT. I will take her to the park sometime this week, it will be interesting to see what I think of the SPD pedals after falling in love with my Frogs

Just tell the Giant that you want to get her a partner