I currently am at an impasse with my LHT. Love the bike, everything has been grand, a couple tours later though, the canti brakes up front seem to be seizing, and I can't unstick them, now I know why I went through brake pads so quickly, compared to regular commuting etc. Fortunately this is happening while I can remedy the problem and not out on tour depending on them to work.

Researched the forums, and it seems an over looked item in everyone's build, save to say they are going V brake vs, canti, and wish tour bikes came with disc braze-ons. Seems to me this is a major part of touring not getting a lot of attention, when you can't brake, or they fail in the Rockies, you might be meeting your maker sooner then you thought. Even the great Lance Armstrong had a brake failure that he claims cost him a stage win.

I like cantis, but man is there a better manufacturer than the stock versions on the LHT? Something you can tear apart, lube and put back on the bike without a lot of hassle? If I can't do it in my kitchen with all my tools, what am I gonna do out on tour?