Hi folks,

I am in need of some assistance in choosing a new bike.

I’m looking for a bike to commute to work, for fitness and general pleasure cycling and possibly for touring/cycling holidays.

My requirements are –
as rust proof and durable as possible (living by the sea and no indoor storage);
a slightly more upright riding position;
must be able to fit a rack/basket and carry heavy loads (I cart considerable amounts of paper around with me most of the time);
mostly road use but capable of negotiating track/trails;
a women’s frame so that I can get on the thing in a skirt if I choose to;
reasonably comfortable seat;
getting up hills faster than my husband!

I’m a keen runner and am looking for a decent bike that I can put through its paces as an alternative to running so don’t want a lumping, fuddy-duddy, granny machine but in view of the fact that this has to be a fairly practical work horse, I don’t need anything too state of the art.

I have found four possibilities from Trek – I’ve attached a table setting out the specification. Can anyone give me some guidance as to the merits of the components/set up of each?

I'd be very grateful indeed for any assistance offered.