Don't want to spend much but......

[tatakau]

I got a few extra pounds around the midrift, but am considered an athletic build, most of my weight comes from having big thighs, just trying to improve my power to weight ratio which won't take long if I put my mind to it.

But yes I've always preferred a triple chainset.

I wuvv the Jamis brand and their commitment to a broad range of bike types and materials. I wouldn't suggest the one you've mentioned though - it will still have cheap-ass suspension (though still in a different league to the stuff on the Apollo) which will slow you down, sap your energy and be heavier so you will have less chance of "chucking it around" as you describe it. It will also divert cost of the bike away from bits that you should spend the money on, eg the gearing will be of lesser quality if the price is the same as for a bike without the suspension.

Jamis do some great cheap runabouts that are fixed fork but with a wide range of gears and plenty of frame clearance for fitting wider tyres.

Aluminium or steel - the choice is yours. The alu will be lighter and probably stiffer. The steel, heavier but more comfortable.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/allegro-sport-2015-hybrid-bike-ec072058

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/coda-sport-2015-hybrid-bike-ec072063

Stu

OK so I'm thinking of asking the guys at Evans to order in the Coda Sport and/or the Pinnacle Lithium One

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/lithium-one-2015-hybrid-bike-ec105727#BVRRWidgetID
I understand this is their own brand, seems more geared towards an mtb with wider tires. but I do like the look of it and would be happy to ride it, the glow in the dark thing could either be a plus and/or make it more attractive to thieves but that's probably a moot point.

Please let me know your opinion on the lithium, but honestly speaking I think I'm attracted to its looks more than anything - that said the reviews aren't bad.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cyclist33]

I considered both but got a mountain bike instead.

I'd have had the jamis, have seen the pinnacle in the flesh since and it's a bit green!

 

[tatakau]

I'll see if they can order both in then, you see the green come through in the daylight, or was it night and you just didn't like the look of it?

 

[Cyclist33]

I'll see if they can order both in then, you see the green come through in the daylight, or was it night and you just didn't like the look of it?

Nah nowt wrong with it really, it just wasn't to my taste when I actually saw it.