Hybrid choice

[non tech]

I'm considering buying a hybrid for commute to work predominately via Taff Trail (National Cycle Route). Distance is around 3 miles to work and when the sun shines around 10 miles home and some other trips out. In looking around in the last few weeks I have narrowed choice to two bicycles:

Focus Planet TR4 or Trek 7.4 FX Both 27 gears (11-32 & 48/36/22 chain spec) and with disc brakes and under £700.00.

Not heard of Focus brand until now. Both felt the same to ride although the Trek had a more comfortable saddle but is slightly more expensive by £30 (know that I can change the saddle.)

Other than personal preference: are there any pros or cons associated with either model?

[uncinqsix]

No idea about those two, but when I was looking for a bike with the same spec, I ended up with a Giant Seek 2 (would have preferred the slightly better specced Seek 1, but they'd run out).

[aberdeeneuan]

I have a 7.5fx, it's my commute bike. Tha last bit of the commute is on a rough towpath and it handles it fine. Fast too, it's not that much slower than my road bike.

There is one on the trek demo sale site just now in a 17.5 frame if that's any good to you for under 400.

[Gumstabber]

Boardman hybrid. I bought the team version with carbon forks about a month ago as a prize to myself for commuting through winter. Great bike, Excellent spec for the money, wouldn't change it.

Except....make sure you go over all the nuts and bolts when you get it. Mine came with 1 loose stem bolt, 1 loose bar bolt and the non-drive side crank cam off after 2 rides. All easy fixes with a hex key though. Guess you can't have a good bike and good service for a cheap price. I paid £609 for the team edition.