Fast commuter / flat-bar road bike...

Hi,
I've read heaps of posts to get ideas, but can't find a definitive answer, so thought I'd make a post myself. Hope I don't annoy anyone by starting a thread so similar to so many others!
Requirements:
Fast flat-bar road bike (hybrid?) that's good for weaving between traffic (narrow handle bars?).
Went to LBS and found this Ridgeback Flight 02, though unsure if it's worth the extra over the Flight 01?
I do like the bike but I have two concerns that I would like ideas on.
First, I may like to take it on a bit of a tour - 300-400 miles (but this would only be once a year, so not a priority but I would like it to be doable).
Second, this will mostly be used on the road but is it going to give me the speed for the money? A racer isn't so great for weaving in-between traffic, but perhaps a flat-bar that is more set-up like a road bike (thinner tyres etc.) would be?
Finally, if you have any alternatives that you think would better fit what I am looking for or simply a better alternative to the Ridgeback Flight 02, please do reply.
I've read heaps of posts to get ideas, but can't find a definitive answer, so thought I'd make a post myself. Hope I don't annoy anyone by starting a thread so similar to so many others!
Requirements:
Fast flat-bar road bike (hybrid?) that's good for weaving between traffic (narrow handle bars?).
Went to LBS and found this Ridgeback Flight 02, though unsure if it's worth the extra over the Flight 01?
I do like the bike but I have two concerns that I would like ideas on.
First, I may like to take it on a bit of a tour - 300-400 miles (but this would only be once a year, so not a priority but I would like it to be doable).
Second, this will mostly be used on the road but is it going to give me the speed for the money? A racer isn't so great for weaving in-between traffic, but perhaps a flat-bar that is more set-up like a road bike (thinner tyres etc.) would be?
Finally, if you have any alternatives that you think would better fit what I am looking for or simply a better alternative to the Ridgeback Flight 02, please do reply.
0
Posts
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... PDPz1#tab2
Some nice parts, and low all in weight.
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
Weight is 24.1 lbs... At Whinstanelyes they have the Flight 02 for £599 - assumed that would make it a better deal that the Boardman?
All four of those rode quite differently though - so definately try before you buy.
£600 makes it more tempting - but the boardman at 21.6lbs is still a lot lighter.
VOODOO CANZO
Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
Any thoughts anyone? I do like the look of the Whyte, but the Felt is mega good value... I think they're both good value at those prices. Perhaps someone can suggest a better road bike up to the £750 value of my CycleScheme voucher...
The Felt would be fitted with bullhorns straight away to make it more city friendly.
The Fuji Newest 1.0 has tried and tested Shimano Tiagra, a pretty decent groupset on a £700 bike (and a carbon fork too).
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuj ... e-ec031218
It has a triple chainset too. If you loaded the bike up for your tour and hit some hilly areas the "granny ring" would come in handy.
I have bullhorns on my hybrid. I much prefer them to flat bars but would give the drops a go before changing (I'm not even sure road brifters can easily be fitted to bullhorns?). On the tops/hoods of drop bars you can still be pretty upright and fully in control of the bike.
No bosses for guards/rack though.