Commuting

You'll find plenty of disc-equipped, cyclocross-inspired do-it-all bikes under a grand; they're usually a good option as an all-rounder and popular on cycle-to-work schemes. Now there's one more, the Trek Crossrip, and it's a good bike. It's not the hottest on value but as a package the Elite model we've been riding is sensibly specced and good to ride.

Hi,

I am looking for new, hybrid bike that is good for commuting around 9 miles a day and the odd weekend longer ride.

So far I have the Giant Rapid and the Specialized Sirrus in mind. Does anyone have either of these two bikes and would recommend them? Or does anyone know of any other hybrids between £500-£800?

Cheers,

Hi,
Does the "all rounder" exist?
Looking for a bike suitable for commuting, touring with racks & panniers etc some lightish off road and that won't look out of place on sportives too. Does this bike actually exist? If so what do you recommend? Thinking on the lines of specialised tricross. Any good?
Thanks
Andrew

Not that it matters in the near future as I am to be made redundant in the next month but....

Does anyone know of a none cycling "dry shower gel or foam"

Nowhere I have ever worked has had decent facilities for cyclists (my current new line manager has even reprimanded me for spending too long in my bike gear before getting changed in the AM, not that this will matter for much longer).

Generally I have been able to get away with changing clothes, towelling dry and applying deodorant though I am unhappy with that.

Apparently due to roadworks to improve the area, this cycle route:
http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/13967662/
is no longer valid. There used to be a tunnel / cycle lane / pedestrian crossing under Monument Way, as can be viewed (for now) here:
http://www.cyclestreets.net/location/22316/
But the tunnel has now been 'filled'.

Pictures and words:

https://network23.org/ana/bike-route-no-more/

In a similar vein to the Genesis Croix de Fer recently tested, Charge's Filter Hi is a do it all commuter, light tourer and part time crosser. Drop bars, discs, huge tyre clearances, mounts for mudguards and rack all tip a nod to the mile muncher who's happy to keep the pedals spinning whatever the weather.

Southampton City Council are about to open consultation on an Eastern cycle route from Southampton Central Station out to Hedge End. The route isn't the most direct but does take in the Itchen Bridge and Portsmouth Road through Woolston. Proposals include removing the roundabout at the Western end of the bridge and adding segregated cycle lanes at some junctions.

The proposals can be view on the council website http://www.southampton.gov.uk/s-environment/future/ccplans/easterncycler...

The consultation runs from the 4th February to the 3rd March.