MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION

[Fab Foodie]

No, maybe not (although I rather like down tube shifters). But the point is, any of those bikes will be easily upgradable well within a £500 budget with bar end shifters, or even STIs.

Down-tube shifters are fine... really. I'd keep them, they're easy to use, easy to trim and are low to no maintainance, useful in the middle of nowhere or a long way from the nearest bike shop.
I'm gonna keep thye DT shifters on my skip rescue rebuild tourer project (which I must get round to starting).

 

[spandex]

now found one new for £400 but it is the 2008 model - don't know if they changed much?

If you have found a new one for £400 I would get it before some one else does.

 

[Fab Foodie]

If you have found a new one for £400 I would get it before some one else does.

Absolutely!