Ive narrowed it down to 2 bikes:

lm_trek

Just wondered which one would be better for my commute? 60% of the ride is on the road and 40% would be singletrack through a little wood etc, so i narrowed it down to 2. Would 1 be better than the other?? or should i look for something else?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gar ... e-ec017196

or

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165534

RufusA

IMHO it's worth avoiding cheap disc brakes on a commuter, as they are more maintenance hassle, can cause complications for racks and mudguards, and don't perform any better than well set up v-brakes.

There are a large number of bikes to choose from at that price point, and most will do a more than adequate job as a commuter. Looking at raw specs doesn't always reveal a lot, usually the best way to decide is take a few out for a test ride, and ideally buy from the shop that seems most helpful!

If the distances involved are over a few miles you may want to also consider second hand. A good quality hardtail or cyclocross will be within price range, and would eat up the mix of road/wood with the right tyres fitted.

Rufus.

Alphabet

if you can get hydraulic discs then they are far better than v-brakes or cantis. haven't tried cable discs, buti imagine they stop much better in the wet than anything on the rim.

hfidgen

I tried some cable discs on a Genesis Croix de Fer and I was really unimpressed in the wet - the rotor was 160mm and it was really tough to even lock the wheels. I'm now using a BMC Crossmachine and the v-brakes are awesome, even in the wet.