The best touring bike is mine (Surley LHT, size 62.) Okay, that's a ridiculous claim, but it's based on the information at hand. I don't think you can really rate a touring bike unless you've taken it on a few tours to judge things like handling, reliability, comfort, features, ride quality, etc.

If I win the lottery, maybe I'll buy a stable of the top-rated tourers and take each of them on 2 or 3 long tours. Maybe then I'll know.

I haven't won yet. What I did was tour for about 18 years on a bike that was okay but quite flawed (a Nashbar "Shimano Equipe" bought mail-order in 1992. It was pink.) I thought about all the features I'd like in my next tourer (especially fixes to the Nashbar's flaws.) I read this forum and others and paid attention. I did research. I decided on the LHT because it seemed to fit my needs at a good price.

It has only pleased me and I have nothing to complain about. Hence, I name it the best touring bike ever.

If I could take your tourer on tour I might change my mind. Of course, I can't go on more than one or two tours a year, and I don't want them spoiled by riding an unsuitable bike, so even if anyone was crazy enough to take me up on my offer, I'd probably decline.

What's your choice as the best tourer ever?

P. S. I really would like to try a Co-Motion Americano, so if anyone has one they'd like to lend - about 62 or XXL - I'd be happy to give it a test. Anyone?