I've got a new LHT complete and I would buy some better tires before going on tour. Schwalbe Marathon Plus have worked well for me (meaning zero flats) over the last 4000 miles on my old bike. I also wasn't impressed by the stock brakes on the LHT so I traded with the Avid Shorty 6 brakes from my old bike (still have the stock brake levers though). Buy a better saddle and you're ready to tour (after buying racks, fender and panniers, of course). Oh, and get the wheels re-trued before you leave on your tour. They seem strong enough, but are probably machine built and need a little fine tuning.