Thinking of a road bike, steel? Touring?

[Trek420]

I talked with an owner of a local LBS who happens to know someone in the family. He had some concerns on the reach of the LHT with drop bars (flat bars better). He is short and has custom bikes so he understands my size issues (I'm 5'0"). He also was concerned with what I want and the gearing with the 26" wheels (I don't remember exactly, I'll clarify with him).

I'm 4'11. My custom steel road bike's a 47 cm. I test rode the LHT in a 42 cm. Standover height was great! Read the ride report here:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ighlight=surly