Ah, don't believe everything you read on the internet. You need to go to a good local shop and test ride a good touring bike, have the shop fit you for a bike and install racks and fenders for you. If a local shop carries Surly...well the LHT will fit your needs nicely.
Then there is bike......
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/520/520/ A very nice bike sold a Trek dealerships.
and this bike.....
http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng...9TR2-Touring-2
Get professional help at a good shop....all of these bikes are good value, but only if they are fitted and set up correctly.
Good luck...