Subway 8 alternative ?

[Chess]

Why did they stop making these ?
Or can you still get them ?
My mate loves his and has been commuting on it for 15 years with little problems. He swears by it, but as he admits, it's looking rather tired now ( needs new tyres, cables, wheel truing and other stuff ) so he's looking for a new alternative. He's looked on eBay but they're too far away.

He says he definitely wants another hub geared bike, as he likes that he can change gears whilst stationary and is low maintenance ect. His daily commute is approx 8 miles round trip. He wants mudguards and pannier rack. His budget is £500 Max.
I thought I'd put this to you good folks as you always seem to find the good stuff and I'm sure he'll be chuffed if you found him something.
Cheers.

 

[vickster]

One of these second hand if the budget can't be stretched?

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/p..._Orange_58cm?gclid=CPS7ic_mj88CFRKNGwodJjAMLg

This is a bargain if he's of petit stature

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/36966...currency=GBP&gclid=CJSCzKXnj88CFaEK0wodKe0Avw

Or a medium on fleabay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Marin-Fai...819860?hash=item282040f554:g:KewAAOSwFe5X1uGl

 

[MichaelW2]

How much stuff can he salvage from the Subway. A Cotic Roadrat or OnOne Pompanine should see him through the next 15 years for a little bit over £500.

 

[Cycleops]

Only three speeds but how about this: http://www.wiggle.com/chappelli-modern-three-speed-2016/?curr=GBP&dest=1 and it's a steel cro-mo frame.

 

[Chess]

Thanks all.
I'm going to let him read these posts himself and let him decide.
Some good bike recommendations though. I'm tempted myself.