Which new hybrid bike should I buy for commuting?

[lostintheplot]

My second-hand mountain bike has been doing 20km a day for the last year and has finally given up the ghost, so I need to buy a new one. I think doing the distances I do means I should probably upgrade to a hybrid but I'm going away in April so will only be using it regularly for the next 5 months (although I can see myself still cycling when I return next August).

Because I'm saving for travelling, I can't justify spending much more than £250 but know that this offers a limited selection.

I do West London to SE1 and back every day, so flat road, lots of stopping, starting and dodging through traffic.

Can anyone suggest a particular brand/bike or even bike shop in London?

P.S. if anyone can offer a response to my flatmate who does the same journey but on a folding bike, then even better!

 

[leemo]

Your budget is very tight for a new hybrid. As cost is a major concern I'd go second hand and consider using Recycling in Elephant and Castle who should give you something in part ex for your old bike.

 

[mcshroom]

I agree you may be better looking second hand as you will probably get more bike for your money. There are some bikes around in that price bracket though.

If you do go new, then the Carrera Subway 1 gets good reviews (you may want to check it over yourself rather than let Halfords do it)

Decathlon have a couple that may be interesting. The B'twin 5 Daily comes with a rack, mudguards and dynamo lighting for £220, and just over budget they have a road bike, the Sport 1 at £270

Also the Dawes Discovery 201 is a decent bike (one of my mates toured on one with us this summer)

 

[cyberknight]

+1 for the subway 1, rack and mudgaurd points and well built.

I would change the tyres for swcable city jets myself but otherwise mine is still fairly as sold apart from clip less pedals and rack+guards and enough lights to land an airplane

 

[skudupnorth]

Specialized Sirrus is a good bike,never had an issue in the nearly three years of abuse commuting and one big fully loaded camping trip to Cornwall (just short of 400 miles)

 

[beastie]

+1 for the subway. Mine has been used and abused and is still good to ride. Touch heavy but.

 

[Maz]

Specialized Sirrus is a good bike,never had an issue in the nearly three years of abuse commuting and one big fully loaded camping trip to Cornwall (just short of 400 miles)

+1. Great all-rounder. I've had my Sirrus about 5 yrs, no problems.