Choosing a tour/commuter bike!

[vlion]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting a decent long-range bike. The companies that make the bikes are...

• Raleigh
  
• Kona
  
• Giant
  
• Specialized
  
• Trek
  
• Gary Fisher
  

In no order of preference. I'm looking for a bike that won't break down randomly, is comfortable, and goes decently fast, and isn't going to cost an arm and a leg. Does anyone have experience with these companies?

Articles.

[vlion]

As I am rummaging around the net, I found this site, which seems to be knowledgeably written regarding bikes.

http://sheldonbrown.com/articles.html