Just about to move to a new office with showers and everything....and want to start commuting to work. Ride is about 8-10 miles each way, mainly on road, but some towpath. Uphill on the way back. My previous commuting experience is that it was hard work on my MTB (albeit a poorly maintained 23 year old Shogun Trailbreaker) and quicker but less comfortable on the old road bike (10 year old Saracen Morzine). Bearing this in mind, and since I want the bike to take a bit of throwing around (that'll be going up and down kerbs, then), I was thinking of something like a Specialized Crosstrail Sports. Hoping to spend about £500-600 (excl. rack, mudguards and locks). Any suggestions on alternatives for similar price?