@dexter101 whats wrong with Vikings, I got mine in 2008 kitted out as a Sora/2300 7sp triple, its had a few upgrades last was to 105 10sp triple, others have covered the puncture repair, but seriously get some Conti Gatorskins, my front has done nearly 8,000 miles without a puncture, the rear had two pinch punctures from hitting stones to hard the last put a dent in the rim, the wheels that came with my viking were naff. The other draw back to Vikings is they tend to be a bit heavy, this can be viewed as a good and bad thing, good in it helps build up endurance and strength, bad in that your up hill speeds will always be poor.
The mileage I do I tend to wear kit out pretty quick though, hoping this new stuff lasts a bit longer as it is up to twice the price for replacement bits cassette and chains ect.
I dare say there are more comfortable bikes, but I am usually fine up to 40-50 miles but I put this more down to the new saddle than the bike, again another piece of kit that has just broke after 11,000 miles bit a of a poor show really as I only got it March last year.
I have been trying to save for a new bike, but things keep needing to be replaced as do shorts ect ect.....
The bike has done over 15,000 miles in the last two years, the only thing that is original now are the mudguards, the frame, the crankset (though not all the rings) and brakes.
So don't feel it's inferior in anyway, as I can match people's times on bikes costing over £3,000.
@Saluki not sure about the expert bit, I only have the one.
...and carry the 3rd as a spare
£1,000's on a bike £100's on a wedding 
