The LHT is an excellent tourer - maybe the best bang for your buck. I bought an LHT frame and built it up. (I built it about 6 months before they started selling the complete. I couldn't wait.) I was able to get the parts I wanted, become intimately familiar with them as I installed and adjusted them, and I had a lot of fun. I also spent a lot of money - probably 50% more than if I had just bought a complete. Some people have probably done their build for less, but this was intended to be my rest-of-my-life, no-compromises tourer, so I didn't skimp on parts, and I bought most everything brand new. I also spent a bunch of money on new tools, like a truing stand and spoke tension meter (I built my own wheels.)

I've heard lots of people say that the LHT complete is ready to ride across the country right out of the box. If I had it to do again I'd probably just buy the complete and go, and then upgrade things as I felt a need.

Having a comfortable saddle is vital on a touring bike. When you're riding long days, day after day, the butt pain builds up. I'm a Brooks B17 lover. I'd put one on immediately if it was me.

Having good racks and panniers is almost as important as the bike. I like Ortlieb Classic Rollers and the Ortlieb handlebar bag. I'm not a fan of the Surly Nice Racks. I think they're too heavy. I have a Tubus Cargo on the back. It's rock solid and the Ortlieb clips fit perfectly. I had a Tubus Tara in front and it was equally solid (and pretty light). I liked it a lot, but I wanted to try one with a platform. I got a Jandd Extreme and like it a lot. I put my sleeping pad and food sack on the platform. It's just as solid as the Tara. The only problem is that when the front wheel swings from side to side (like when I'm loading up my panniers in a parking lot) the top rear corners of the rack bump against the top tube. Not a big deal.