just be aware that the LHT has changed its parts/specs recently.
oh wait, I just checked and it appears that they have stopped listing the crankset to be the sora 50/39/30 and 9 speed, and back to a 48/36/26 and 10 speed 11-36---so it appears all is good again.
listen, both are nice bikes that do their job.
The LHT with 26in wheels has certain advantages (slightly stronger wheels, lower gearing cuz of smaller wheels, no toe overlap, probably even with fenders)
in the end, put a bunch of weight on the bikes and they will work the same.
are you ok with bar end shifters?