Commuter bike recommendations

willardx

Hi all,
I need to replace my 15 yr old Specialized Crossroads which I use for a short daily commute (around 6 miles return).
I dont want the bike to be too nickable so will distress with old rack etc and I can go up to about £500.
I want something with hub gear (3 to 8) which is not too heavy.
I am looking at a low end Trek Soho or Specialized San Fran 2 ( tho dont like the 26" wheels on this - prefer 700's). Also a local company does a semi custom job with 8 speed nexus hub on a Schils frame from about £450- though I have never heard of this make.
Any other recommendations or thoughts would be kindly appreciated. Ta, Will

the_village_idiot

£500 seems pretty nickable to me :?

if i was only cycling 6 miles and was worried about it getting nicked i would cycle an old MTB with skinny tyres

willardx

Thanks for the input but could use some suggestions etc

Eau Rouge

As you know from riding the Crossroads you can pretty much use anything for 6 miles.
You want to to think about what else you might want to do on a bike and get a bike to do that, while using it for the commute as well.

geordiefella

hey fella

you could look for a sub 200 quid single speed and get the new 3 speed sturmy archer adapter fitted (especially for single speeds. Low cost crappy looking bike with nicely designed very usable 3 speed hub. :-)

Geordie

willardx

ive got my eye on a fully restored Rayleigh Gran Tour for £100, thought i could put some straight bars and 1.5" tyres on it. Would then be great for bigger distances. Any thoughts ( is this an ok price) ta