Originally Posted by
Squeezebox
The LHT doesn't even make it to mediocre.
Originally Posted by
Squeezebox
I've also heard decent things about the kona.
Oh squeezy, you so funny. You do realize those two bikes come from the same factory right? As well as the Trek 520 and many, many other steel touring bikes. They all use the same 4130 steel with pretty much the same spec tubing.
In terms of handling which you so often claim is the weak point of the LHT, I don't really understand why you would want a racing geometry on a touring bike? Usually the steady and stable handling of a touring bike is seen as a bonus but whatever.
But honestly, even if the LHT is a bit slow on the steering side, I'd still crush you in a descent race any day of the week with the LHT against any bike you would care to choose for yourself. I can ride it down mountains at 80km/h with no trouble at all while dealing with tight switchbacks as well as bad tarmac.
Not to mention that the LHT is actually more agile in terms of handling than the Trek 920, because you know, it's not a mountain bike... Also it ranks up very similiarly with the Kona Sutra in terms of handling and is possible more nimble than the Kona Rove but with a larger wheelbase is of course significantly more appropriate for loaded touring than the Rove.
Fast accurate and responsive the LHT is not. Basically why I hate it so much. I do have a right to my opinion.
Like I said, it's more nimble than your bike. But I'm not surprised you don't really know about the handling of the LHT because you don't have real experience with it. One turn around the parking lot with an ill fitting frame size, most likely completely wrong fit and probably a wrong saddle height doesn't tell you anything. It tells you less, since you're basically riding a bike not meant for you at that stage.
If we compare factors that directly affect the handling of the bike
Steering angle: the 920 has a 71.5, the lht has 72 degrees so the LHT is more nimble.
BB Drop: The 920 has 85mm while the LHT has 78mm making the LHT more nimble
Trail: The LHT has a trail of 64mm while the largest 920 has a trail of 65mm and the smaller sizes have a lot more. more trail = slower steering response so the LHT is more nimble
Wheelbase = the LHT has a smaller wheelbase, ie it's more nimble than the 920.
Dang, this actually came as a surprise since I thought the 920 would be more nimble at even one metric but it's not. That thing handles like a freight train in tar. How on earth can you even turn that thing?
I'm just kidding, of course. Seriously though, you ride a very slow steering bike.