Well, I'm looking to compromise, actually.

Typically, I ride 20-30 miles at a stretch, and on the weekends I can get up to 50-60. I'd like to do a century this year, and I'd also like to do some light touring.

I don't need to be super fast, but I don't want to be super slow, either. I don't need to be super light, I just want something sturdy, comfortable, and that won't pitch a fit if I want to go over a bit of gravel or a dirt road in the country.

I was basically thinking of going for a touring bike, and a LBS suggested I think about the crosscheck as well. The Long Haul Trucker from Surly is also interesting to me.

Thanks for the input!