I'm sorry if this has been asked...

Hi and welcome,

A hybrid may be a good choice for the sort of use you will be giving your new cycle, alternatively it may be worth considering a touring cycle.
Hybrids tend to be designed for on road with a small off road capability such as use on tow paths ( A front suspension fork may look cool - but will probably do little for your comfort - but add a lot of unnecessary weight on a bike used for commuting)
A touring cycle is designed to cover miles quickly and comfortably - but also built strongly enough to be able to carry luggage etc. So a tourer may look a bit like a racing bike - but will be much better equipped and the frame geometry will be aimed at creating a comfortable and stable ride rather than a fast and responsive ride.

Most touring cycles have dropped handle bars....drop handle bars are often thought to be for racing only - but if you try cycling into a strong head wind on your way to work, you may wish you had chosen them and if you can get some with secondary levers on the tops that would be ideal.

If you are going to carry luggage a rack and some panniers will need to be on your list. Some cycles come with a rack already fitted - but if the cycle you choose doesn't have one, it is better to choose a cycle with the eyes for fitting built into the frame.

Mudguards also make a big difference to your comfort when cycling in rain, especially in the cold wet winter. So also consider waterproofs. When cycling in waterproofs it is easy to get just as wet through sweat as you would have done without them - so go for a fully breathable material such as Goretex. If possible always wear something that is high viz, when sharing roads with motorists, you really do want to be seen from a distance. Also ensure that you invest in some good lights. If you are cycling only in illuminated areas, your front light needs to make you visible to others - but if you will be cycling in poorly lit areas you will need a better light because you will need it to illuminate your way too.

Where will you be leaving your bicycle when you get to work, and where will it be stored at home? Whatever you answer may influence your choice of lock. I would recommend a good strong D lock preferably rated as Sold Secure Gold - along with a cable lock to secure wheels. These D locks are heavy - so you may be able to leave the lock at work to save lugging it with you each day - but unless you have a very secure garage attached to your house, I would recommend that you lock your bicycle in the shed or garage too (preferably to something that cannot be moved easily)

If commuting daily, you will need to carry a basic tool kit too. As a minimum I would suggest a small adjustable spanner, a small flat head screwdriver, a chain tool, a quick link chain link, tyre levers, a spare inner tube and a pump.
Or save some weight and buy a cycle specific multi tool such as the ones made by Crank Bros or Topeak.
I would also recommend carrying a cheap LED secondary set of lights as these are cheap, light and will get you out of a fix if a battery or bulb fails on your primary set.

You may also find that it worth paying to upgrade the saddle on the cycle when you get it....but saddles are a very personal thing (The Charge Spoon is a reasonably cheap, option that most people recommend for comfort and value)

I hope this gives you some ideas about what you want to look for
Poves

Hybrids do vary though - some are basically road bikes with flat bars, other MTBs with thin tyres. Plus 'town' bikes that come pre fitted with racks and the like, but are usually heavy and lower specced.

It sounds to me the sporty road type is the way forward (do check if have mounts if you wish to fit accessories though). From EBC, this ticks a lot of boxes:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... brid-bikes

That's not particularly good value IMHO though - the hiten fork will be a bone shaker, some pretty lowly parts and high weight too.

I agree with testing if you can