B'twin Fitness/Forme 5 or Giant Rapid 3?

[mickyt18]

Hi all, newbie here. I'm looking at getting a Hybrid in the new year, the above two are my favorites at the moment. I don't really want to spend more than £550, as this will be my first bike since my Grifter when i was a kid! Any thoughts greatly appreciated. I'm open to other ideas also.

 

[roscoh]

B'twin's, though usually the Triban 3, get good write up's on here. I have a 2011 Rapid 4 and it has seen me through a year and a halfs worth of commuting. It's quick, stable, can fit a pannier rack and mudguards and I find it ideal for my commute. I would recommend the Rapid, having never ridden the B'twin, though it's worth taking them out for a test ride if you can, to see what suits you best.

 

[tribanjules]

triban 3 - can fit mudguards on so ok for winter, but need to check clearance as probably too tight for more chunky winter tyres