Im about to take the plunge.

[jonny jeez]

Before you take the plunge have a ponder about the future. Will you want to go out for longer rides in the evenings/weekends? If so the bikes you are looking at may not be comfortable enough. Also you may start going out with other cycling buddies. Have a good look round and try out a few before you buy.

This is really good advice.

When you start out its very hard to imagine yourself doing anymore than what you do right now. But, if you find you like the experience, you may soon find yourself getting into weekend rides, sportives and tours. If you buy a hybrid, you will limit your capability to expand into these other interests later.

Many will argue...quite correctly...that you can tour, ride weekends and ride sportives in a hybrid...but after a while you will most likely feel like you need a road bike to get the most out if these types of riding.

My advice...spend as little as possible for now untill your interests develop, by which time you will know what bike is best for you.

 

[NCFC-Biker]

Looks like a similar budget to what I had. Would you go for a bike that's a 2015 or older. There's some good discounts to be had. I am really in-experienced on bike parts etc. so narrowed it down to the bikes I could go and see/ride. Chose the Boardman in the end because it was on a good deal and had to go 5 minutes down the road to collect. Hard decision though isn't it

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/another-what-bike-thread.193159/