help and advice in finding a new bike!

annasebastian

HI
I, until very recently, had a claude Butler Valetta, as it was stolen just over a month ago. I am now in dire need of a new bike and would appretiate any advice.
I would primarily use the bike for cycling around London but I would also like something that has the capacity to be used on Longer distances (I have whimsical plans to cycle to Berlin) and I would also like something that has the durability to last as long as my good old Claude Butler (11 years with only one repair).
I have looked at the Claude butler 400 Hybrid but wonder is it a far better piece of kit than i actually need and is a road bike would be more suitable given that the bikes prime use would be cycling around London. Is a hybrid bike a bike of a jack of all trades and a master of none... and would that matter anyway (I don't plan on Racing anytime soon)?

Also what are the good brands to go for? should I start with Claude Butlers or Carreras or Specialize... etc and so on...

Bear in mind I have a budget of £300, It would be great if someone could talk me through the world of bikes so i can get started on my search!

Joeblack

Shortly will come a stream of support for a Triban at that pp, but I'd look for something second hand perhaps a Allez

zx6man

Yup, triban 3, carrera TDF, as above spesh would have to be second hand at that price.

Brad123

I got the Triban 3. Like the bike, gose well. Did 45 mile ride on the weekend no problem.