I'm into unsupported long distance cycle touring. The last tour i was on was from 2nd Dec 09 - 27th Jan 10, were i cycled unsupported 3,500km over a period of 8 weeks on a Kona Hoss hardtail 27sp. I found the bike to be very comfortable for the distance. I organised the tour and had 1 of my mates join me even tho it took me a whole yr to talk him into it, but he quit half way thru the trip because he was having problems with his hubs. I cycled from Newcastle - Adelaide via Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road, & Mt Gambier. My friend quit at Yaragon which is 150km from Melbourne. Would i do it again, u betcha. It was awesum!