The Waterford problems sound more mechanical "rough shifting" - and yes I own a Waterford Addventure Cycle, but a number of other touring bikes as well. If you've seen the Waterford chain stays I have a difficult time imagining it bending or breaking unless being very abused. Components and the fit make a big difference and to that point I just got done puchasing a new 1989 Koga Miyata mountain frame off ebay for $100 amd building it up with the same components on my Waterford - Hugi Hubs/Mavic 217's, Schwalbe tires, Durace Barends, xt der, Surly nice racks, Sugino Cranks, etc - total price $600. Doesn't have the nice paint as my Waterford, or the Henery James stainless dropouts, but a bike worth taking any place in the world.