Hi there. I'm looking to get a bike through the cycle to work scheme and have decided that a hybrid with accessories (pannier rack, etc) would be best for my needs. I've always been into cycling, albeit it recreationally and for commuting but I love it. I had a very bad ski accident away back in January and I am now ready to get a new bike (having given my bike away to my cousin).

I've been to some bike shops and have narrowed down to two bikes:

Trek 7.3 FX - I had a trek years ago and was really impressed with it.

Specialized Sirrus Sport.

I'm not sure which one I should go for; they both look very nice and ideal for what I want to use them for.

The other problem which I need advice on is sizing - I'm roughly 5'6 (168cm).

The bike shop I went to about the Specialized has said that a small frame would be ideal.

Two different bike shops have given me different size frames for the Trek bike - one shop said 15" and another shop said 17.5".

Thanks in advance for all your help.

J