Another what to buy thread / road / hybrid / racer

[pappa lurve]

Work has signed up to the cycle scheme thingy so I have decided it is time to get another bike. I have a ridgeback cyclone thingy and I want a bike that wil be fast, maybe a road racer, look cool (obviously!) and be sturdy enough that I can cycle over the odd curb and compacted dirt path. I am not 100% convinced that I want drop bars as they are not that comfortable although I saw a bike yesterday with gear change and brakes on both the drop and the non-drop part (you can tell I know all the terms!).

Budget is from 500-750.

Ideas please?!

Also, is it worth selling my 6 motnh old ridgeback and will I get enough to make it worth it?! The bike sells for about £270 at the moment at Evans and Cycle surgery.

[rrbdsc]

I like the look of the Kona Dr Dew, havent actually ridden one but see them everday at work (in a bike shop), and they definately have a better look than most of the other hybrids/road bikes. Can take the odd light off-road trip better than most of the others too.

You could get something that would be a bit faster and lighter on the road but not as good looking or capable of going off road.

www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60201

[stu_the_flat]

I've just bought a Dawes discovery 701 for £500 reduced from £650

I get it tomorrow so I’ll post my opinions of it tomorrow night.

I had a Carrera Vanquish with those bloody brake, gear change and fast spin cycle and tax calculator all in one. I fond then a real pain but the bike was to small for me so that is a factor.

If your doing city commuting the to must haves are reinforced tyres for broken glass (At this price most bikes will)
And full mudguards, otherwise you arrive at work looking like you’ve had a nasty fright!

[pappa lurve]

Not really going to use it for commuting, I will keep my old bike and also it is 16 miles along main roads which does not appeal as a commute!

Cycle surgery seem pretty good and they are on the scheme so off there on Monday or tuesday if I get time to look at a new toy.

Road my old bike today for the first time in 3 months. Only did 8ish miles on roads / paths but forgotten how much I enjoy riding!