Riv tries to select components that have a proven track record for reliability; having said that no bike is always reliable, so making a statement that Riv's components are not always reliable is just plain ignorance. Their made to be practical and easy to work on and find parts for when needed.

A Riv bike is more for the person who wants an artistic flare to their bikes most companies just plain lack, and a Riv will hold it's value better...if there is such a thing as a bike holding it's value! then most bikes on the market.

Though I believe that the Sakkit that PeterPan mentioned is probably the best long distance/duration touring bike on the market today; if you go to their website and compare their features with any other company you will quickly discover this to be true. It's a well thought out bike with reduntant backup features along with space and bosses for 4 water bottles (all other companies give you a max of 3 due to their limited space). Though their downfall may be the sketchy customer service you receive when ordering a bike...at least that's according to a couple of forum members that posted here sometime ago, not a personal experience.