Report: Well I rode the LHT and the Trek 920 today.
The LHT was much better than I expected. It is not a dept store bicycle in any way. Stable handling and response, nice wide handle bar helping with control esp. low speed. sluggish but it's a bike for heavy touring. good braking and shifting, 30 speed, but I still don't like bar end shifters, this ride reminded me why. I kinda doubt it could be converted to brifters. I can see why it's probably the most popular touring bicycle. Price and stability are good. not as responsive as the 920.
The Trek 920: Luckily the customer had it modified to brifters and 35 mm tires, & fenders. I will do the same but probably 32 mm. I fell for it at 1st sight. This bicycle screams at you "hop on, or get the F--- out of the way" Dave show me how sram shifters work. I felt the 920 to be a bit more stable and a bit better handling, slightly more responsive. Even though the geometry is almost identical. The Al frame may cause a increase in crispness. pounds lighter. A good rear rack, a monster front rack. Very comfy ride, nothing harsh. I appreciate the person who said a few weeks ago that he locks his up even inside the house because he's afraid that when he's not home it will take off on it's own and hunt zombies. Thus my bicycle will be named Zombie Killer.