I use Avid Ultimate Digit linear pulls with Dia Comp 287V brake levers on my LHT. The Ultimate's will easily pull my loaded LHT to a stop with complete control even in the pouring rain. On other bikes I use caliper (Ultegra level) and disc (Avid Juicy 7's). The Ultimates are superior in modulation control to any of the others and have better stopping power than all but the Juicy's. I prefer them to disc brakes because they have better modulation.

I get >4000 miles between brake pad changes riding under a wide variety of weather and road conditions.