Hybrid Bike for commuting

[B4 Sloth]

Am after a bit of advice from those that commute to work by bike.

A few years ago I was massively into my cycling; Time trial, road bikes and other money pits. Owing to injury I was unable to get back into it like I wanted to and ended up selling my bikes. I did have a brief affair with a bianchi roadbike a couple of years ago but again found the bars too low.
I live about 10 miles from work and yesterday cycled on my old Kona mountain bike. It rained. It was cold and I wondered what I was doing. The bikes heavy frame, wheels and tyres make it a million miles from a commuter hack. Changing components is a false economy so methinks I will look into getting a more purpose built bike.
Prefer the idea of a bike built around a road frame than a mtb frame. No suspension. Ideally disc brakes for the crap weather. If I am going to squeeze an new losi 22 into the garage I need to be a bit sensible price wise...so up to £500 i reckon.
Must be able to cope with my lightweigh 15 stone+ frame

Any advice based on personal experiences would be appreciated

[Gnarly Old Dog]

Check out www.batribike.com

I got the chance to test one of their Gemstone Granite electric bikes a while back when I was commuting 8 miles each way to work.
Simply amazing - I felt like an olympian on the climbs and I cut my commute down from an average of 42 minutes on my C'dale to just under 30mins with the e-bike.

Not all e-bikes are created equal though - look for the battery systems especially and the switching for the motor - the one I used had a torque sensor on the cranks so it would only give you assistance based on the effort you were pushing with on the cranks.

This massively increases the effective range of the bike. Static weight is high as you'd expect but it never rode heavy. I was very impressed - and I didn't arrive at work and collapse in a sweaty heap, unable to do anything for 20 minutes :-)

Best of all is that they have a base in Chelmsford so it would be easy for you to go and see them - plus they're ex r/c modellers and general all round good guys and if you speak to them, say hi to them from me.

[Chequered Flag Racing]

Originally Posted by B4 Sloth

so up to £500 i reckon.
Must be able to cope with my lightweigh 15 stone+ frame

Boardman Hybrid Pro 2010

Fitted mine with SKS mudguards to ride all year round.

You may just be lucky and get one on ebay or look for a 09 if the 10's are fetching to much

[JonyNitro]

yes the Boardman I have the Hybrid comp very good bike, only used it a few times, could be persuaded to sell it, Large frame aswell, but would defo go the boardman route.