I'm trying to get back into cycling to work after a bit of a break - my bike was stolen, and I'm looking for a replacement.
Basic requirements: I cycle about 3 or 4 miles each way, and sometimes have a trailer on the back with a lazy DC in it. I like an upright cycling position, and although my route is fairly flat, it is quite busy so there's a fair amount of stopping and starting. I'm unlikely to be mountain biking or doing anything very sporty.
My last bike was, I think, a 'hybrid', which was fine - did a decent job on the road but also on the gravel paths en route. It had 18 gears, but I probably never used most of them (ooops!) - tend to sit in the middle / upper range. I'm about 5ft 6inches so reckon maybe a 18 inch frame?
Cost? Reasonably cheap and cheerful. After my bike was stolen I decided to look at the second hand market, reckoning that something that was a bit bruised looking might be a safer bet. But the cycle shops near me don't really do second hand, and I'm slightly wary of the small-ads. I would be willing to order online new as long as the bike didn't arrive in a million pieces! There's a Halfords within reach, but I don't know if that's a decent bet or not.
If any of you own something that sounds a bit like this, or can recommend an online retailer, I'd be very grateful.