LHT vs CC

LONG HAUL TRUCKER vs CROSS CHECK



Same trip: London to Paris in 3 days. First trip in April, second trip with very similar weather conditions (nice) on the LHT in June.



Both bikes were loaded the same: bar bag, front panniers, rear panniers, tent, sleeping bag and mat. Pretty much the same weight. I also used the same rear wheel and drivetrain. However, I had a Surly Nice front rack on the Cross Check but on the Long Haul Trucker I used a Tubus Tara low rider. I love the Surly Nice front rack. It's so... nice, solid piece of kit. It looks like it can take anything; and the extra space on top is a brilliant idea for carrying stuff, like your tent, or the sleeping bag, but it is a little bit heavy. Apart from the obvious weight difference, the tubus carried the weight lower which made the LHT more stable. And that was one of the main differences: the LHT felt a lot more stable than the CC always, even off the saddle, going uphill, and also going fast downhill. And more confortable.
My LHT is a size bigger (58) than the CC and it has a higher stem/bars set up. This, along with the taller headset tube, and laid back angles, make the LHT so much more comfortable. I have a very upright position, my back and neck are more relaxed, and even my ass doesn't hurt so much after six hours on the (new Brooks!)saddle.



The handling on the LHT felt more controlled always. My new Brooks leather bar tape also helped: The new one is a lot softer to the hand/fingers. I think the leather is treated differently on the new one and it has holes so it doesn't get all wet and slippery with the sweat.
The different tyres also made a big difference: 32c Continental Top Touring 2000 on the CC and 35c Schwalbe Marathon XR on the LHT. The fatter tyres ("fatties fit fine") on the LHT roll faster and also add comfort to the ride. I had mudguards on both bikes but on the LHT, even with the bigger tyres, didn't have any toe overlap issues.



My Cross Check is staying in England, set up fixed for my 20 minutes commuting ride to work, with rear rack and panniers, perfect, comfortable enough (I might change the stem for a shorter one), fast, responsive. And I'll take it offroad too. My Long Haul Trucker is at home in Paris, and is my touring bike. I'm already planning my next trip: from Paris to Cadiz (my hometown in the south of Spain); fully loaded, riding south.