Hybrid Commuting Bike - Advice sought

[bigunit00]

Hi All,

I am looking for some advice on the best options for a hybrid bike to commute to work.

A summary of my requirements would be as follows:

- Commute will be 10miles each way (Kent to London)
- Road use only
- I am 195cms and of "robust" frame so the bike needs to be solid and hard wearing
- I am not looking to make a brand statement i just want to best "bang for my buck" re: components for the ££
- tyres hard wearing but still fast as I want to avoid punctures where possible

The options i like...more from "look and feel" perspective:

1. Cannondale Bad Boy Fatty R5 2012 Hybrid - £799 @ evans

I discussed this bike today with a guy at Evans and he mentioned that it would be useful to replace the tyres with "Specialised Nimbus Armadillo Tyres - Black 700*35mm". These are £30 each.

So thats £859 total (bike and tyres)

Spec and review here

http://www.terncyclingreviews.co.uk/cannondale/can...

2. Boardman - Hybrid (Pro/Team/Comp)

I like the look of these as well and comments from people here that they are good value for money (boardman brand in general)

The Hybrid Team @ Halfords £639 (£699-60 web offer)

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

2. Boardman - Hybrid Pro @ halfords £939 (£999-60)

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

My questions:

1. What are your thoughts on these 3 bikes and which is best given my requirements?
2. Why is the Pro £300 more expensive that the Team?
3. Do you think the Boardman would need upgraded tyres or good as is?
4. Anyone know where to source Boardmans at better prices? How is the halfords buying experience?

At this pt...I am leaning Boardman Team @ that price offer....thoughts?

[will_]

No need to spend anywhere near that much for the type of riding you are doing:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolutio...

This will do the job very well for £250.

[clonmult]

will_ said:

No need to spend anywhere near that much for the type of riding you are doing:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolutio...

This will do the job very well for £250.

Would tend to agree, those bikes could be a little overkill.

I used to do 10 miles a day on a Trek FX 7.3 Disc - took over 4 years for me to finally kill it off (100kg of me regularly pounding it), those are around £500.

I'm currently awaiting delivery of a Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc - hybrid with front suspension, so it'll be a little comfier, and I'm going to be doing a 45 mile round trip commute - it'll be absolutely fine for the distance.

[Deanno1dad]

Check out the Scott range..
I've just bought a Scott SUB 30 Hybrid..lovely ride and stands out if you like bright orange bikes.