Thinking of getting a new commuter (Roadrat for sale in the classifides!) for various reasons, and top of the list so far is the Revolution rance from Edinburgh Bicycle, one of these two probably.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=9452&f%5FSupersetQRY=C432&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c018333c018336

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=10812&f%5FSupersetQRY=C432&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c018333c018336

I'm not bothered about wheel size, type of bike or anything, but I'd prefer vees over cantis as I'll be towing a trailer from time to time and I like decent brakes. I'd prefer 8sp rather than 9 too as it lasts longer. So far I'm leaning towards the Nexus bike it has to be said….
Gonna have a look at Halfords bikes too.
£400 maximum is the budget, but so far I can't get close to the EBC bikes. Any ideas?

Good god. Stumped everyone have I? 😉

Second hand Dawes Galaxy perhaps? You can probably pick one up that has already had the flat bar conversion done, and for £400 it would be a decent one.

Whats wrong with the roadrat?

Give us a clue as to what put you off the road rat and we might have more suggestions

Trek 7.3. Good looking. Well made. Light. Nice kit. 8speed.

Give us a clue as to what put you off the road rat and we might have more suggestions

I'd rather not being as it's on the classifides right now. Let's just say it's a bit big for me, shall we? (Which it is) But there's nothing WRONG with it as such. It's perfectly OK!!!

I've got a Specialized Globe Elite from 2008 with the Nexus hub and the gears are fantastic on it and the main reason i chose it.

I'd go for the one with the Nexus hub as its for commuting on. The gearing is spot on for 20mph along the flat and a bit more if you get down a bit (on the Globe at least)

Revolution Cross

tthew, my last 2 commuters have been used ones, and this time I fancy, and can afford, a new one. :o)
Things with drop bars tend to have cantilever brakes too…… And I'd rather not if it's all the same with you…. 🙂

Those Revolution Cross bikes are very nice. I had a look at one in their shop in Newcastle recently. Cantis again though….But I might be tempted 🙂

Those globes look nice, but I can't find one for sale, and the newer ones are a bit pricey (£450!)

Logging off now. TTFN