Bike Recommendation Newbie

OffalyMedic

Hi everyone, looking for a bit if advice. Looking to get a bike on the cycle to work scheme to use as a commuter and leisure bike. Commute will be approx 20km each way on good country roads relatively flat. My budget is approx €600 as I'm on lower tax bracket. Can maybe strech a small bit for the right bike. I'm 5"6 lady also btw. Also any recommendations of shops in Midlands to go look in for advice

OffalyMedic

After looking around online yesterday I came across the following bikes in my budget. Any opinions on them. What should I be looking for? Gears? Frame Material? breaks? etc

http://www.gallaghercycles.com/road-racing-bikes-women/18-castello-capricia-slr-with-carbon-forks.html

http://www.gallaghercycles.com/home/370-bentini-bianca-ladies-road-bike.html

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=113772

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=114128

Macy0161

I haven't heard of the brands of the first two. I've two Giant bikes - partly because LBS stocks and I'm lazy, but they do generally have a good reputation for bang for your buck. I'm happy with them. Had an issue with wheel bearings on one, but no issue with warranty replacements/ repair.

Notwithstanding a Halfords build* (can vary shop to shop), in pure bike terms, maybe the Boardmans are worth a look too? I'd take a Boardman over the first two you linked anyway. No idea what they're like to deal with on bike to work though.

*I've had no issues out of a couple of stores over a number of bikes between me and the children's bikes