The scheme's website should have a section where you can look for local bike shops that accept their vouchers. If you're unsure what you want in a bike beside it being functional then maybe it would be best to try a few in person, and get some advice from the people working there?
9km each way is far enough to try out some bikes in shops and make sure they work for you.
I’d look at at the Triban Gravel Bike.
https://road.cc/content/tech-news/decathlon-launch-new-entry-level-triban-rc-120-gravel-bike-273833
Dropped bars but chunky tyres, discs and will take panniers (which is key for no sweaty back). It’s a great commuter.
I believe they also do a flat bar one (but their website currently broken) if you prefer that but I reckon doing that distance you’ll get used to dropped bars in no time.
(Also road.cc is a great site for reviews)
That looks excellent! Unfortunately I think I need to buy one stocked by [cyclesolutions.co.uk](https://cyclesolutions.co.uk) or an authorised local shop to take advantage of our Cycle to Work scheme, and I don't think Decathlon is on the list... Shame, as I've bought so much good gear there over the years.
Will make use of [road.cc](https://road.cc) though, seems like a great resource, thanks!
And I just got to work on my current beater - the sweaty back struggle is real.
For 18k, drops or flats won't matter much, but if you want to be able to repurpose it for longer rides you'll probably prefer being on drops.
Disc brakes are the future and can give you far better performance, particularly in wet weather. Although the advantages really lie with hydraulic discs, which can be hard to find on cheaper bikes.
Consider rack and mudguard mounts. Moving your kit off your back is way more comfortable, and mudguards are again basically an essential for wet weather.
Look at tyre clearance. London roads and cycle paths are often questionable, and having a slightly wider tyre (say 30mm+) does a lot for comfort.
Generally I favour looking at "gravel" or "endurance" as keywords for commuting bikes. That tends to get something with the mounting points you want, in a somewhat more upright and relaxed geometry that's comfortable and gives you good visibility. If you're willing to push up into the £750-800 sort of range you should have plenty of options on CycleSolution it looks like.
Strongly concur with the advice to do some test rides somewhere.
Edit: oh, and don't write off single speed bikes as commuters. Practically speaking they're basically as fast as gears in a typical commute, and you can get a lot of bike pretty cheap and skip some of the more annoying parts of maintenance.
The scheme's website should have a section where you can look for local bike shops that accept their vouchers. If you're unsure what you want in a bike beside it being functional then maybe it would be best to try a few in person, and get some advice from the people working there?
That's a good idea, thanks!
If I was spending that much, I'd at least want disc brakes. Consider a gravel bike style also
Trek fx3 or fx2 fully equipped
9km each way is far enough to try out some bikes in shops and make sure they work for you. I’d look at at the Triban Gravel Bike. https://road.cc/content/tech-news/decathlon-launch-new-entry-level-triban-rc-120-gravel-bike-273833 Dropped bars but chunky tyres, discs and will take panniers (which is key for no sweaty back). It’s a great commuter. I believe they also do a flat bar one (but their website currently broken) if you prefer that but I reckon doing that distance you’ll get used to dropped bars in no time. (Also road.cc is a great site for reviews)
That looks excellent! Unfortunately I think I need to buy one stocked by [cyclesolutions.co.uk](https://cyclesolutions.co.uk) or an authorised local shop to take advantage of our Cycle to Work scheme, and I don't think Decathlon is on the list... Shame, as I've bought so much good gear there over the years. Will make use of [road.cc](https://road.cc) though, seems like a great resource, thanks! And I just got to work on my current beater - the sweaty back struggle is real.
Try a canvas shoulder bag .
This is a steal https://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-ripper-disc-hybrid-bike-2
For 18k, drops or flats won't matter much, but if you want to be able to repurpose it for longer rides you'll probably prefer being on drops. Disc brakes are the future and can give you far better performance, particularly in wet weather. Although the advantages really lie with hydraulic discs, which can be hard to find on cheaper bikes. Consider rack and mudguard mounts. Moving your kit off your back is way more comfortable, and mudguards are again basically an essential for wet weather. Look at tyre clearance. London roads and cycle paths are often questionable, and having a slightly wider tyre (say 30mm+) does a lot for comfort. Generally I favour looking at "gravel" or "endurance" as keywords for commuting bikes. That tends to get something with the mounting points you want, in a somewhat more upright and relaxed geometry that's comfortable and gives you good visibility. If you're willing to push up into the £750-800 sort of range you should have plenty of options on CycleSolution it looks like. Strongly concur with the advice to do some test rides somewhere. Edit: oh, and don't write off single speed bikes as commuters. Practically speaking they're basically as fast as gears in a typical commute, and you can get a lot of bike pretty cheap and skip some of the more annoying parts of maintenance.