I helped a friend buy a touring bike and she ended up with a Cannondale T800. She quite likes it and my assessment is that it makes a very capable touring bike. I've owned a couple Cannondale MTBs and a Cannondale road bike - all have been quite good. I'd buy another Cannondale if it met my needs.

Looking at the bike you linked to:

- I like the Rohloff cable routing and the fact it comes with the EX mechanism which is more easily repairable in the field and makes wheel removal a snap
- the eccentric BB is a good idea for easy wheel removal and easy adjustment [Cannondale's wedge style EBB can seize so be sure to follow any manufacturer's recommendations to keep that from happening]
- I like the Brooks saddle
- I'm not keen on a suspension seatpost [I'd rather have a sprung Brooks less to go wrong]
- I like the Tubus racks
- I like the fenders you just need to add a longer front mudflap...
- I like the Ergon grips
- I'm sure the frame and welds will be top quality
- I'm not sold on the front suspension...it will help with riding on rough roads, but it adds complexity and a potential vulnerable spot. Getting replacements and service will be a challenge in many places. This ends up being a pro and a con depending on how you choose to view it. A classic steel touring fork would give you many of the benefits with zero maintenance.
- I'm not sold on hydraulic brakes for a touring bike. On the plus side Magura brakes work well and are robust. On the down side if something happens field servicing will be a problem. V-brakes don't have this risk. You have to decide how big an issue this is.

You asked about the Thorn Rohloff bikes and a comparison. The short answer is Thorn is a small operation that specializes in hardcore expedition touring bikes. The designer of their bikes [Andy B] does a big trip every year to test equipment and validate existing designs. He comes back from those trips and makes their bikes better. You can call up their shop and speak directly to him about your needs and what bike would be best. That's pretty amazing.

Ultimately the difference between a Thorn and the Cannondale can be summed up by a different philosophy - Thorn bikes are overbuilt rugged, they go for reliable and field serviceable components that won't leave you stranded or wreck your tour. They only make a few bikes and they put all their attention into each design. Cannondale is a much bigger company with a lot of staff and a love for the latest technology so they go for things like suspension, hydraulic brakes...they also like to design/build their own products like the head shock. I've owned a headshok and when they work they are great, but I've had one [my friend's MTB] fail on a trip and we couldn't get it fixed quickly since it's a proprietary part that only a few LBS can service. On a MTB that's an inconvenience on a touring bike that could be a trip ender.

If you gave me a choice between a Cannondale Rohloff touring bike or a Thorn Rohloff touring bike - I'd buy the Thorn every time. I like small specialty operations they do a few things really well, but don't try and do everything- they get the details right because they actually ride the bikes and tour. They will also support you quickly when something goes wrong because they know how big an impact of a bike problem can have on your tour. Plus I have to say I love the ability to call up the guy that designed the bike you are riding. I recently bought a Thorn Rohloff specific MTB frame for these very reasons.

Cannondale makes great bikes and I like the fact they embrace new technology. They would both be good choices - just quite different philosophies from very different companies.

BTW - here is a review of a non-Rohloff Cannondale touring bike with a similar spec to what you are considering. You may or may not find it helpful in making your decision.