I'm thinking of getting the LHT...

I have question though. Is there anything about the LHT that makes it a inferior or less than adequate for fully-loaded unsupported tours of great length? What makes the Koga or Thorn or whatever a more adequate touring bike?

Tours can be done with any good bike. I just got a LHT last week and absolutely love it.

THis said, You don't _need_ a LHT to tour. If you can get one, I think (as well as many other people on this forum) it's a great bike for the price. The other ones you mentioned, while more expensive and, I assume, somewhat better in certain regards, but the fact is many people have pedaled from ocean to ocean with much lesser bikes than a 520 or a LHT.

Heck one guy did it on a BMX sitting backwards. Yes, he was supported, but still...

You only have to read a few threads about the LHT to know this: it's more than adequate.

Steve

I don't know anything about the Koga. All I know about the Thorn is what I've gleaned from the internet. It seems like a solid tourer. I have an LHT. I bought it after hearing tons of praise from owners via the internet. I like it very much. It's much more than adequate. I also think it's a really good value. If you have only enough for an LHT but no more, buy it. You'll be satisfied. If you have more money, there are other bikes. Whether they're better than the LHT or not, I don't know. I can't see how they'd be much better.

so wait...then what's the benefit of paying $2000-$4000 if they are no better than the LHT?

it's waste of money.

interesting...cuz i can darn well tell the difference between a $900 roadbike and a $2000-$4000 roadbike...sometimes it's night and day. but this is not the case with touring bikes? believe me...if true, this is GREAT news cuz i want the affordable LHT. but it is hard to believe!

The extra bucks buys better steel. Which can mean more rugged or lighter or both.
It can also buy custom fit, better saddles and wheels, lighter components.

I am a big fan of the LHT, don't get me wrong. They are popular around here, and
the guys that have them seem happy with them. But there are other touring bikes,
very nice ones. Whether they are worth the coin is a personal choice. Ever test ride a Waterford Adventure cycle?

The Koga World Traveller comes equipped with all XT components, Tubus racks, lights, pump, kickstand, water bottles and cages, practical pedals, Brooks saddle, seat bag, and 47mm tires. If you added all that stuff to the LHT, the LHT would still be cheaper. It is probably the best equipped off-the-shelf touring bike available though.

no, but i have ridden waterford and gunnar road bikes. very nice bikes...though i prefered my specialized carbon bike to be honest.

i did take a look at the adventure cycle frame. the custom fit is nice...and that surely comes at a price. lugged frame costs extra if you want that. but really...is their t22 or t14 steel that much more durable than whatever the LHT uses? as for feel...i've spoked/corresponded with the guys at habanero, bill holland, the guys at lightspeed, and the guys at merlin when i was shopping for a custom titanium bike. they told me as far as feel goes...the differences due materials are very subtle because they all said the way a bike feels is 99% fit, geometry, tires, air pressure, and saddle. if you have the proper fit, geometry, tire, air pressure, saddle, etc...then your bike will ride like a dream regardless of material.

i think i believe them. i think us consumers are the ones that get all crazy and antagonistic and poetic when it comes to our favored material...

4130 CrMo Steel a.k.a. aircraft tubing.

41xx steel (wikipedia)

My Sherpa is built of of Reynolds 853 tubes.
What is a new LHT built of?
I do know that it is spec'd as inferior tube but will you notice the difference?
I can't, but I wanted the Reynolds frame set.
Components.
These can be whatever you NEED.
And that, is the question you must answer.