Originally Posted by
Oso Polar
Just a heads up - distance capabilities and comfort are extremely related as it is extremely difficult to go long distance if your bike is uncomfortable. Upright riding position is uncomfortable unless your rides are very slow and very short and on flat roads. Good for enjoying the ride - very easy to look around with head high. Very bad for burning calories though, practically useless.
I used to ride imperial centuries on a comfort bike, and I don't agree with any of that. I've since switched over to a "fitness bike" with a neutral position, but the comfort bike wore out before I did. Comfort simply wasn't an issue--they're called comfort bikes for a reason.
People make all sorts of broad statements about what can't be done on certain types of bikes--comfort bikes make great commuters, and are fine for long distances. They're just not fast.