New and Clueless

ALaPlage

I haven't ridden a bike seriously for almost 20 yrs. By seriously I mean I used to travel everywhere by bike, was in a cycle club and an avid follower of cycle racing. The only thing that stuck with me was my love of the racing although until recently it was limited pretty much to The Tour de France as the popular media never seem to do any of the other great events any justice.

So to now and 2009! I have decided its time to get back on a bike and along with my lovely wife have plans to spend weekends and some evenings getting some fresh air, good scenery and fitness into the bargain too. I even have a wild plan to cycle London to Paris - next year maybe!

But as I am sure every "newbie/born again" asks, what bike? I have been looking at the Scott Sportster P2 and P1 and the Boardman Urban team however all this disc brake stuff is new to me - is it worthwhile?

Also why is it that Halfords are pretty much slated on here as an option for cycle purchase etc? Should I avoid them or is it just like food snobbery where you are told by the gourmets to go local and avoid Tesco at all costs? It appears only they sell Boardman bikes so should I avoid those too?

It is a dilemma but I need to get a bike soon - any advice?