Newbie. Would either of these bike be suitable?
 

Hello there, I'm looking to buy myself a hybrid bike for getting to college, work and a little bit of casual cycling. I don't want to spend loads because I'm not sure if I'll stick at it. Would either of these be okay for starting out? Either http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165534 or http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...Id_165534#tab3. Any guidance would be great thank you :)

Yes, both are fine.

The Apollo has a more comfy position and comes with a rack to carry stuff, and fenders to keep the rain off your pants. But it has fewer gears. The Carrera has a more sporty posture that will probably let you go faster, and more gears, for climbing steep hills. It does not come with a rack or fenders, so you would need to add them, or carry a backpack, and take the bus on rainy days. Which is ok, too. The Carrerra has a little bit better quality drive train parts but that's why you don't get the rack or fenders or gel seat at the same price.

Both are pretty low-end so if you do decide to stick with it you will probably be shopping for something more expensive in the future. More dollars (er, pounds) get you higher quality, more reliable and lighter.

I think for starters they are both good and if the bug gets you next time you will know what you like dislike without spending too much first time

Get the one with rack and fenders. More practical for now, and will be great utility bike/

Step through frames will be a lot easier to get on and off of.. and if you wear dresses ,
or a Kilt, be a dignified mounting technique to start and stop.

But IDK about Halfords Service department for bicycles , and their assembly attention to detail

often what people, here, atribute to good/less good, is how the bike was taken out of the shipping carton
and prepared for sale.