For the distance you are commuting, you are not going to like a flat-bar bike unless you install and are comfortable using aero bars, in addition to some bar ends to give you more hand positions. Drop bars are much more suitable for distances over 20km because they offer both multiple and more aero hand positions (you can also add aero bars to these too, if you choose).

hi there to be honest it's quite vague at present, is only coming in in 2009. but yes, certain equipment is definitely included in the offer. At the moment the list includes - new bikes (bought anywhere doens't have to be in Ireland) and the following up the value of €1000. Helmets, bulbs, horns, lights, mudguards, cycle clips, luggage carriers / panniers, locks and chains, pumps, repair kits, refelective clothing

There is one thing though to note - this "token" can only be used once every 5 years by the person, so regardless of whether you spend €100 or €1000 thats it for the next 5 years.

From what I'm seeing though - could get a new bike (@ 60% of the price) which is probably as cheap as a 2nd hand one yknow?

But yes - either way I can get my gear @ 60% of price too yes.

chipcom - get what you're saying about the handlebars, to be honest is all new to me. Get what you're saying though.

If this is the case - I'm realistically looking at a tourer or a Cyclocrosss it sounds. In essence road bikes but with a bit more stability and comfort, this sound right? If so, I'll prob have to buy 2nd hand, as new is out of my price bracket for most part I think

Wow, that'll be quite the undertaking. Here a story of someone who goes alittle farther, i dunno if there's any advice in the story but maybe some inspiration anyways.

If you are not going to be carrying a load on the bike nor are worried about protecting the components wet road crap with fenders, a regular road bike would do you just fine. Unless you can do your own maintenance & repairs, you may be better off with a new bike and the support of a local bike shop to start. But I'd highly recommend learning to maintain/repair your own bikes, in which case you will find some great deals on used bikes that you can upgrade/modify to suit your own preferences as experience molds them.

My favorite fair-weather commuter is my 80ish Bianchi xcross bike (the only thing 80ish these days is the frame). For days when the weather forecast is dodgy, I use my touring bike with rack and fenders (or flat-barred snow bike).

I understand - fenders might be handy alright, although we dont get a huge amount of rain in summer, it does come. So might need to keep that in consideration. Also, 2nd part of that is something with a bit more stability too for damp conditions. Not giong to be going nuts or anything in rain, but handy to plan in advance.

https://cgi.ebay.ie/Viking-Windsor-Ge...ayphotohosting

Note that I know nothing about this brand, as I've never seen it here in "YankLand". Seems to be okay for the price, and is close to your budget.

put my 2 cents in again.....

For values in the US I would look for a used roadbike, probably Japaneses...ie Bridgestone, Miyata, Fuji from the late 80's early Ninties..... I don't have the faintest if the Ireland used market is at all similar.
Iwould also learn to work on it your self...no big deal

IMHO having a traditional road drop bar is a big plus...more hand positions, better able to get low to handle wind and for me at least straight bars are really uncomfortable.

Okay, here's one right at your budget. 300 quid plus 10 quid p&p

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AWESOME-New-Viking-Windsor-2008-Touring-Bike-RRP-435_W0QQitemZ140288873456QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item140288873456&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_ trkparms=72%3A1301|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

It has Sora stuff on it, which is a decent quality component group for the price.

Ah. I just looked up Crumlin. Northern Ireland. That explains the use of Euros rather than Pounds.
That would make the delivery charge higher on the bike, unless you could drive to Chester to collect it.

guys / girls - thank you very much for the info in the last day or two. I now have a far better idea of what sort of bike I should ideally have, and the benefits of each etc.

I will let you know how I get on - think I might start in March or so doing some of the distance on the bike to begin with, would like to be able to do the whole distance in April / May time.

Thanks again

Definitely check out the one I posted last. It already has racks and fenders on it, so is a pretty nice bargain it seems.

I see it's about 320km to Chester, though. Might be worth having it shipped, then.

You state that the 40% discount is comparable to buying used. Can't speak for Ireland, but, here in the colonies, that is way off.

I bought a trek 520 from a friend at work about a year and a half ago for $75. It was in very nice condition and came with a rear rack and cycle computer. Now, this was admittedly a steal, but, I have heard of other similar deals.

Unfortunately, I didn't really fit the 520 and ended up buying a trek 1200 from another guy at work. I paid what I thought was a fair price for it, $450, but no steal. But, this is still well under 50% of the new retail.

If the used market is similar at all to the US, you should be able to get a very nice bike for under 200 pounds.