Thanks heaps for all the advice - most appreciated!

qmsdc15 - I do tend to cycle in my top gear most of the time, but I think that's more of a reflection of my bike being pretty slow with low gears. I do use other gears when stopping and starting, just as soon as I get moving I run out of gears pretty quickly and want higher gears (I don't like going slowly!). I'm definitely still keen to have a bike with multiple gears ideally.

up4speed - Thanks for your thoughts and good to hear from someone who's gone through the same dilemma! I am leaning towards the Vita Elite or Comp at this point (or the Trek 7.3), but didn't want to get carried away for no reason. I'll let you know how I get on!

Capecodder - Thanks for your advice. I've also heard that Trek are very good bikes.