Help choosing a bike

They have just introduced the bike to work scheme in my job and so I'm going to get myself a bike to travel to work (about 7km each way). I also want it for general use, going to the shops etc. I haven't really cycled a bike in years, I have an old mountain bike which I occasionally use to go to the park but only use it in housing estates so I'm a bit scared about going onto the road but I really want to try!

I've been advised to get a "hybrid" bike and just want a bit of advice as to what I need, what I should be looking for etc. I took quite a fancy to this which is €550.

Basically what I want to know is, what type of things should I be looking for? I don't talk bike talk Is the bike above a good bike for what I need? Is it too much for 14km a day?

Any tips are welcome.

Please and thank you

kenmc

You don't need suspension - it only adds weight and maintenance, and reduces reliabilty, in that price range. For road cycling you want a rigid suspension.

e.g.
http://cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=31147
http://cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=30983
http://cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=38&idproduct=35232

if you want something a bit more sedate then something like these:
http://cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=39&idproduct=36566
http://cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=39&idproduct=38642
http://cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=39&idproduct=38624

Unless you want to go very fast and long, then get a road bike
http://cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=31888

Disc brakes are nice to have, but not a necessity.Good stopping power, especially in the wet.
Otherwise depends on your budget.

Edit:
Sorry - the link goes to a generic page, the text in the link suggests you're looking at the allant wsd model? If so then it's perfectly suited to what you want it for. Have a look in some other shops though for similar style of bike, to see which you prefer. Most important is how it looks, then how it fits

serendip

Look around, and follow up some of the suggestions above. But, two things seem certain from your description. First, it looks like a hybrid is the best bike style for you. Second, do not get a bike with any suspension (unless you have off-road ambitions that you haven't mentioned).

Bikerbhoy

kenmc wrote: »

Most important is how it looks, then how it fits

I would suggest the other way around to be honest fit first and looks second....

Thanks for the replies.

Sorry about the link, I seem to be able to see it here and can't find another one with specs etc but yes it's the trek allant wsd. It seems a very comfortable bike. Certainly no off road ambitions! I'll be happy to make it to work and back

I'd love and Electra Amsterdam bike but don't think I'd get very far with three gears !!!

I'll have a shop around, I just don't want to be convinced by a good sales guy that I need something I don't. The guy I spoke to about that trek bike said that €400 is a decent amount to spend for what I need but I do really like that one!

Thanks again.