Need help choosing!

brac20

Hi guys, I posted on here a while back about choosing a bike for the cycle to work scheme. I decided on a Scott Sportster 30 Hybrid bike in the end. But, long story short, I can't have it. I wanted to run the alternatives by you and see if you anyone could help me make the right choice.

I am going to be using the bike mainly for commuting, which is all road/ cycle path. But I would like to use it for some light off road stuff like tow paths.

Merida Crossway 300-D http://www.discovercycling.com/bikes/bikes-hybrid/merida-crossway-300-d-hybrid-bike.html

Felt QX80D http://www.discovercycling.com/bikes/bikes-hybrid/felt-qx80d-hybrid-bike-2011-.html

Felt QX85 http://www.discovercycling.com/bikes/bikes-hybrid/felt-qx85-hybrid-bike-2011-.html

GT Transeo 2.0 http://www.discovercycling.com/bikes/bikes-hybrid/gt-transeo-2-0-2011-.html

Now, if anyone is still with me. The other thing I have been thinking about is, what about a MTB? Ideally I'd like to do some off road stuff with friends too but it wouldn't be the main purpose of the bike. Would I be ok commuting on a MTB?

Gah, I was all set on the sportster and now that I can't have it I'm unsure which direction to go.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

andrewlwood

Of those four, I would go for the more expensive Felt - you don't need a shock for towpaths, and the difference goes to better quality bits. It's the most suited to a commuter with occasional towpath duties in my opinion.

brac20

Thanks. It was the one I was leaning towards. I'll only be doing light off-road stuff to begin with and if I decide I want to do it more I guess i can save up for a proper MTB.