Go test ride both and pick the one that feels the best. Or the one that looks the best.

The older I get the more that the artistic side of my brain is taking over from the engineering side.

The best bike will always be the one that brings you the most joy when you use it. Certainly, if it's seriously unsuited for your route to work, or if it breaks down all the time, that's not going to be good. Within those parameters, however, which bike sings to you when you look at it? Whether it's due to the color or graphics or just the stance or whatever other reason, the bike that makes you feel good when you ride it will always be the best one.

what about this? I know its not one you mentioned but I recently bought a Btwin road bike (through the cycle scheme) and have to say I'm very impressed with it.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockride...d_8387540.html

Both good bikes - you won't go far wrong with either. I don't know much about mountain bikes but in road bikes Boardman seem pretty unbeatable in terms of what you get for your money.

If you're looking for other suggestions, I've got a couple of friends with Whyte bikes and both are very pleased with them.

John

OP, I was in a similar situation not that long ago. I chose a mountain bike to commute to and from work. And yeah, I heard about how it's majorly unsuited for my purpose.

A lot of the people here do have very good information, which is why there are some suggestions for a different style bike. But people are right, you have to have fun if you are going to stick with cycling. You have to want to be on your bike. Sometimes emotions are stronger than engineering the physics of what is effective. Have fun.

And don't mind the arguing. I still feel really new, but it seems that bicycles have their own version of Mommy Wars. No matter what you do someone knows of a better way of doing things and what you are doing is all wrong, but at the same time what you are doing is right and the better way is all wrong. Mirrors vs no mirrors is debated with the passion of daycare vs stay-at-home.

When you settle on a bike, take pictures. :)

pick the best color

Depends on the person. Some are some don't care. But input on why the OP does not want to consider another type bike would certainly help others make some pointers on the two examples given.

Couple miles won't make a big difference if it is a MTB or something else. As others have pointed out, at that price range most bikes that cost more or less the same will have the same equipment, so pick the one that you feel the best on and go with it!

The one thing I would suggest is in that price range, you stick away from full suspension, and look for a front suspension that locks out for on-pavement (tarmac? forget which the Brits use :) ) use.

I generally suggest staying at home ... but for some posters here, I definitely suggest day-care.