I had an LHT and I liked it. Sturdy. Practical. The ride was nicely... ordinary. I did not like the 26" wheels and I did not like the canty brakes, even though I upgraded them to Paul cantilevers. So I sold it and built a Surly ECR.



If I were going to build a steel-framed touring bike now, it would probably be the either the Salsa Vaya or the Salsa Fargo. If you want to stay away from 29" wheels, I'd go with the Marrakesh.