Mrs BC and I have been riding Specialized Hybrids for some time now. We now really want something quicker and to extend our distances, we generally do 30 miles or so on the hybrids. We are mid 50's so not going to win or even enter any races.

We have been looking at these - http://www.enigmabikes.com/bike/bike-enigma-effusi... Any other ideas?

On the contrary, I'd say a drop bar is more comfortable because you can vary your position. As long as its fitted properly there's no need for the position to be racy.

For a budget indicated by Enigma being an option, there are many 'touring' bike options: the classic one being a Dawes Galaxy.

hybrids are fairly hardwork because of the upright position. do get a fitting session before you buy anything. in all seriousness, if you are looking at Enigmas, you really should be able to afford £100 for a retul fitting Something like the Specilasied Roubaix might be a good bike to consider too, it is carbon but has some wierd plastic inserts in the seat stays and the forks which provide a tiny bit more flex and increase comfort in much the same way that the carbon stays on the enigma work.

you should be happy on a road bike and it will eat up 50 miles on no time. sounds like something with rack mounts and guards would be ideal as you may wish to consider upping the miles and touring on the bikes so have a look at the Enigma Exage and as others have said, the Dawes Super Galaxy is still one of the best frames out there for racking up the miles.

Has anybody here used Wiggle - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ ? They are selling 2012 model year bikes with big discounts. Not much customer service though.

I would say, most of us here use wiggle.

Free haribos mmmmmm

Those bikes look lovely.

Steel is the only way formard !

Another vote for Wiggle here. Got my shiny new (as yet unridden) Mekk Poggio 2G Ultegra from them with 40% off. Customer service has been excellent throughout.