I currently own the Fuji Ace which cost me $500. The only problem I have ever had with it is the mistakes made by the ignorant shop I got it from (the price wasn't beatable tho, but now I've paid that back in repairs), and then the fact that the tires twerb really easily. I've done several 1000+ mile bicycle tours in 2 week periods, and I don't have any other realy complaints about it. Rides like a dream.

Cannondale isn't my favorite company, they tend to be like the Ambercrombie and Fitch of Cycling. Stick Cannondale on anything and it's awesome, it seems. Thats the asthestic quality, however, I do not know much about the quality of their bicycles (maybe it's worth all the praise). This is just my opinion of course. I have nothing but praise for Trek, however, my own Pa has one of these and he's given it over 15000 miles, with only a couple of self-done overhauls.

Well, my Dad allways told me that it wasn't the bicycle that matters, it's you. It's debateable, but I think the biggest issues when going for touring bicycle is Comfort, Reliablity, and then Efficency. The more expensive bicycles, in my opinion, only really shine when you start doing SERIOUS touring, I mean, 120 miles a day and such. Then efficency and weight come into play more than comfort.

I think you'll have more of a problem finding Bicycles gloves with enough padding then a good, comfortable, reliable bicycle, myself.