I've used a Devinci Monaco for pleasure riding as well as long distance touring (about 5000 miles total) without any problems with the bike at all. Total weight during tours has been approximately 245 lbs. Prior to purchasing this bike I used an old Norco Tango 18 spd. mountain bike which I upgraded with stronger axles, quality bearings throughout including crankshaft and pedals, and high-end Shimano gearing and shifting (while maintaining my low mtb gears) including a 46 tooth high gear sprocket up front. This allowed me to crawl up the steep hills fully loaded as well as maintain 25-30 mph. on the flat. I've put on about 8000 miles on it. The Devinci doesn't currently have as low or high gearing as the old mtb. and has 27" narrow wheels which limits the tire width for handling heavy loads on gravel or rough roads. My next tour is on rough remote roads so I'm torn between spending the bucks to change the sprockets and having tougher rims assembled, or to go back to the old bike for touring. Buying another bike isn't an option at this time. Looking for input or suggestions please.