Want to buy a new bike

[Fooby]

I know a few of you are into your bikes and know your shiz, dan!, jonny,scott etc

I am looking to buy a new bike, but I don't know the first thing about "proper" bikes.

What do I want to do with it?:

I would like to cycle to work on it, but also take it off-road/join in with maybe doing some mountain biking. I wont be doing stunts or taking it up Everest.

What research have I done?:

I've spoken to some people and read up about the different types of bikes there are.

I reckon I am looking for a bike with the following criteria:

- Lockable front suspension
- no need for rear suspension
- Hydraulic disk brakes
- medium frame
- More towards a mountain bike than a hyrbid
- being cheeky and getting road wheels for mountain bike, making it more useful.


I dont know anything about brands and I'm not up with what gears or suspension is good/bad.

I have around £1000 to spend, but within this i want to include things like, lights, helmet and maybe road wheels.

I don't actually care what brand the bike is, its of no relevance to me, just as long as its a top quality bike that will last.

Am i looking at this wrong? Please feel free to comment and discuss, or even post suggestions. I'm open (gigidy)