Road or Mountain Bike...

Ah this old chestnut. We've all been there, so let me offer some helpful advice. Ask yourself the following questions?

Where can you ride locally?

How much do you want to spend? Road bikes generally cost a little more.

Do you mind getting muddy? Yes? You're definitely a roadie.

If you're really not sure, I'd always say get a mountain bike. There's nothing you can do on a road bike you can't on a mountain bike. However, you can't take a road bike off road down (well you can, but you'll be in trouble).

It's not like road bikes are made of cheese, but they're simply not up to taking a pounding going down rocky off road courses. There's a good reason mountain bikes have suspension. Road bikes are made to do one thing, and one thing only. Mountain bikes can be adapted to many uses.

However, being realistic, most mountain bikes see a bit of tow path/light trail riding and that's the worst of it. You don't need a mountain bike to ride along the canal.

Another option is a cyclocross bike. They're basically a cross between road and mountain bike taking all the best bits. The frames are beefed up, tyre clearances are good and there's even the option of disc brakes these days. They cost a lot more though, so it's really down to you to make the choice.

If I could have one bike, it would be a mountain bike with rack mounts. That way you've got something that will literally do everything.

A Specialized Hardrock Sport, or Boardman are both excellent choices. I own each, and can highly recommend them.