I am currently looking at two bikes - the Surly LHT and the Cross Check. Part of the reason for getting a second bike is to be able to go places my Trek can't (including mountain roads/bike trails) - and of course to gain the smoothness of steel

It looks to me like the standard gearing of the CC is very similar to my Trek, but what do I know? Here are some numbers for comparison:

My Treks rear cassette = SRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speed

Cross Check rear cassette = Shimano Tiagra, #HG-53 9-speed 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25t

Just to compare:

Long Haul Trucker rear cassette = Shimano Deore, CS-HG53. 9-speed. 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34t

I know things can be changed/upgraded, just trying to make sure I understand the rear cassette gearing for both of my choices. The LHT is still in front running

The CC does have it's attraction as well, though it doesn't seem to be quite as close a fit as the LHT.