I switched from a LHT to a Riv Hunqapillar frame for exactly that reason: more versatility. I have a series of posts about it on
my blog, scroll through them and see if that makes sense. It was well worth it to me. I makes a great touring bike on 40-622 Marathons
and an awesome 29er with Schwalbe Albert's.
I plan to use Nokian Extreme's this year to play in the Michigan snow.
The prototype for this bike was tested by riding the Continental Divide, solo, unsupported from Canada to Mexico. It works!
Marc