Ive got an etape 250. Probably done about 6000 miles on it including a 1200 mile, 30 day, fully loaded tour and numerous shorter trips. In all that time its been totally faultless.
Its not fast and its not light but its the most comfortable bike i own and i wouldnt want to lose it now.
For a cheap reliable touring or comuting bike i dont think you can go far wrong.