What kind of bike do I need?

[Sinkingfeeling]

I'm not a serious cyclist, but I cycle to work throughout the year (about an 8-mile round trip) along a mixture of rough-surfaced roads and canal tow paths. I have a very ancient (15 years +) Raleigh which only has 3 gears and really isn't up to the job any more. What kind of bike should I replace it with? A hybrid or something else? Budget up to £500.

It really depends on what sort of cycling you intend to do. Are you just going to commute or do you fancy doing some longer rides? On Tarmac or off road?

I have one of these although i paid £400 for it, i am not sure if you dont have to buy the next model now. I LOVE this bike - its a hybrid (you can buy a non-step through verson, but i like not having the cross bar, its easier to get on and off). It has 21 gears and i use them all. I cycle a 14 mile round trip three times a week, through the woods, very hilly (i like cyling home, its all downhill!) and it just makes it easy for me - believe me, i need it to be. It is just as good on the road - mountain bikes tend to make hard work of the roads, so a hybrd is definately the way to go. This one is quite robust and chunky, i have sat on a raleigh of similar price and it just felt flimsy.

If you are using the bike to commute, i think there are incentives that may get you a significant amount of discount - i can't remember what its called but worth looking into.

Lucyellensmum99- I think you are thinking of the 'Cycle to Work' scheme. Whether you can take advantage of it depends whether your employer is signed up to the scheme.

I would go for a hybrid.

A hybrid bike. Have you looked at cycle scheme?

Thanks for the advice, everyone - I'll mostly use the bike for commuting, but with occasional longer rides at the weekend. Unfortunately, my employer recently announced that they were no longer taking part in the cycle to work scheme. A bit ironic as there is no parking, but there are several hundred bikes parked outside every day!

Why not get a single-speed bike? Only 1 gear so no mad chain wear or gears slipping. If you've no hills you just need some slightly beefed up tyres for rougher riding (not nobbly ones)