antokelly
i really don't think an off the peg bike will stand up to the mark be honest do you.
my next touring frame will be custom with tighter angles but no toe overlap issue i'm thinking reynods 853 oversized tubing/ lugged frame . everything else will be left to the frame builder and hopefully he will get it wright.
A touring bike (any bike) is a compromise. What a custom built bike gives you is a great fit. I'm not sure you can reach all of those objectives even with a custom bike. Some of the may not be attaiable, e.g, stiff oversized tubing vs Light weight, tighter angles vs less toe overlap (I think tighter angles will actually increase overlap), stability vs. agility. Granted, you can look for the optimum combination. My wife has a cutom built Co-Motion, and it is a great bike. Not because it climbs like a homesick angel, or leaps buildings with a single bound, but becuase it fits her like a glove. The workmanship and finish are excellent, and it is a little lighter than a comparable size LHT. However, when fully loaded I doubt if it climbs any better than her old touring bike. Good luck on your quest
