another what bicycle?

[Coco H]

After getting fitter this year I have decided that my 20+ year old Raleigh is ok but not ideal to get fit on.
I want a bike that is easy to put some fast miles in on the road - for fitness purposes but I also need to be able to cope with potholes and farm tracks.
Ideally I like the idea of either a touring bike or a hybrid with dropped handlebars. I don't like being too upright when riding.
I know second hand my money should go further but finding anything in my area had proved difficult. I don't want to travel miles and miles.
My budget is only £400-600.
I don't know where to start - there are some good shops locally with a reasonable range to test - but the same bikes they stock can be 20% cheaper online.

[Coco H]

Ok. I have looked around and I would stretch to the Dawes vantage. It looks ok. Likewise the Claud butler Regent.
I have also found the Edinburgh revolution country traveller and the Raleigh royal. In my eyes there is little to distinguish between them but has anyone got any pointers.
I have found a tasty bike on eBay second hand which should fit the bill but the opening price is close to budget so looks unlikely to be a winner.

Any other ideas on where to find second hand bikes?

[littleandy0410]

Try the classifieds on Bikeradar.com forum.

I think you might have to register and post so many times before you can view sales threads, but could be worth it.