Originally Posted by
BRAZUCA
4- This really puzzled me, the shifting was not as precise as I felt on the LHT. The RD is Deore and the LHT has LX, not sure if this would cause a difference. It was OK, but not great.
This might just be an adjustment issue. Sometimes demo bikes don't get the attention they deserve! I once rode an expensive road bike that was equipped with SRAM's top-of-the-line Red components. I literally couldn't get the front derailleur to shift from the small ring back to the large ring because it was so poorly adjusted!
I'm now considering the option of building my 1983 Trek 600 with modern components and make it my touring bike, the frame is in like new condition and after taking measurements and comparing this weekend, I noticed it has the same frame dimensions as the Trek 520 that I just rode, however, the top tube is straight and the handlebar stem is not extended. My Trek is 100% stock with 27" wheels, so it would be a full modification, starting with 700cc wheels and 32 or 35 tires.
One thing to do is check to make sure that the rear drop-outs are wide enough to accept a modern hub. At some point, I can't remember when, the spacing between the rear drop-outs when from 126mm to 130mm for road hubs. Mountain bike hubs require 135mm. A steel frame can be "cold set" to increase the spacing, but I have to admit it makes me a more than a bit nervous!
One thing that I really liked is the bar end shifting, I would be looking for a conversion to this as well.
Have you tried integrated brake+shift levers (ex: SRAM DoubleTap, Shimano STI)? I know the curmudgeons in this forum frown upon then, but I personally think they're the best thing since sliced bread (and disc brakes 
)!