So, i’m going to buy a bike after christmas, probably just looking to spend about 400/500 quid, after some kind of hybrid. Don’t want a road bike, as I just don’t like the riding position or the drop bars.

looking at something like the specialised sirrus elite(2013 model) that can be had for 500 quid(In either evans or dales).

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/sirrus-elite-2013-hybrid-bike-ec042535

Anyone recommend anything else I should be looking at?

Have a look at Boardman in Halfords, excellent value at that sort of price point and ride surprisingly well, light but good handling too.

cool, have a look ta.

Over the last year and a half I’ve commuted 7k miles on a Giant Escape 2.
Been pretty flawless.

I was pretty close to buying a hybrid last year, the Whyte portobello is quite nice, but also considered the charge zester, kona dr dew, and specialized sirrus. The boredman range is the best bang for buck for sure.

In the end I just got a 29er , put a rigid fork on it, and have some slicks for road use. Gave me the option of going to work through the woods which I ended up doing 90% of the time now as it’s much more fun! Obviously a hybrid would be a bit faster, but I’m in no rush.

Marin Fairfax is nice

If you’d be prepared to go second hand you could always get a bargain.

The classified on here for example? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink!

(Giant Seek Alfine)

Boardman hybrids are nice spec with hydro discs and OK kit for the £

I bought a Charge Zester this year from Evans and loving it. Would definitely recommend it.

Second hand Whyte Stirling?

Only done 50ish miles, nearly new condition, mountain bike geometry, lovely ride… Within your budget.

MetaMuppet what size is the white?

Can I get some info and details if it’s a large!!

Bummer, it’s a medium. How tall are you?

It’s standard spec with CB candy pedals, Thomson seat post and sdg bel air ti saddle.

I brought it as a commuter but I have a road bike now that I commute on, no point in having both in my mind.

6 foot 2 mate really need a large

That’s a shame, it’s a cracking bike. My advice would be keep an eye out for one.