First "proper" bike

[SquareDaff]

I've had a Butler - it was my 1st commuter bike when I got back into cycling. Pretty much bomb proof. Not light but hassle free. At that budget I'd go for one!

 

[razer17]

Had you thought of second hand.

You can get some real bargains in this category second hand and almost brand new as lots of people buy them with good intentions then never or hardly ever ride them. Gumtree your local area and go see a few. You'll end up with more for your money.

I had considered it, but decided against it for a few reasons. Firstly, I don't want to end up with a nicked bike, which seems quite possible on Gumtree. I don't have a car, so I'd have to find one very close by. And also I wouldn't really know what to look for in a bike, what would be good or bad. At least if I buy new from a shop, if anything goes wrong I can just pop back and have it fixed.

 

[Peteaud]

Another vote for the CB

 

[MarkF]

Dawes Discovery. I have had 4, from a 210 to a 501. I've dabbled with Treks FX's & Specialized Sirrus's but the Dawes small component quality is far superior, they are very underrated bikes, if a tad unfashionable. My 501 does trail & towpath riding, the shopping & long tours.

I would look for a little used mint Discovery, as far up the range as you can get, they are easy bikes to buy & sell

 

[shelliemac]

Just reading this as i have been looking into getting my own bike ( currently pinching my sons) and went into my local independent bike shop and the one he recommended was a CB and i too have a similar budget. Good to know they are decent enough bikes for us newbies