I am also looking into a new touring bike, maybe the LHT. Before spending that kind of cash, I took my first tour on an old Jamis Aurura with rim brakes which included some pretty serious hills. I wished for the power of disc brakes coming down those hills, and it was dry. I have decided it prudent to spend the extra $200 for the LHT Disc. No rim wear and better resale are a bonus.