Budget commuter hybrid

[Pagw]

Hello, my bike was stolen so I'm looking for a good value replacement for commuting 5 miles per day on road, and I would very much appreciate some good advice from here. I'd like something that basically rides well and that I could expect to last 5-10 years (with regular maintenance and servicing) before it becomes not worth repairing. From what I've read, I should expect to need to pay £250+.

A bike that seems popular in the bike shops near me is the Python Quantum 8000, which I can buy for £279. I did a test ride at a shop and it felt comfortable. It seems like decent value from what I can tell, but does anyone here have any experience with them or know much about the Python make?

Another shop suggested the Ridgeback Motion for £330. I also have a Halfords and Decathlon in town, and was eyeing up the B'Twin Triban 500 (£260) and Carrera Crossfire 2 (£256). Are any of these clearly a better option than the others? Are any of the brands best avoided?

I wouldn't mind paying more if a more expensive bike is likely to last longer and require fewer repairs, so that the cost per year is lower, if anyone has ideas that would be better value in the long run. I find it hard to tell myself what I'm paying for if I go higher in price. (Though, having had my last bike stolen, I'm not looking to pay hugely more.)

[s1965c]

For commuting at that price point, I'd have difficulty looking beyond
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-30 ... 07664.html

Mrs s1965c has a Crossfire, and it's underwhelming. That's unusual for Carreras, they're usually sound allrounders - my Subway ticks a lot of boxes for commuting. But I have added guards, rack and dynohub lighting, which the Decathlon bike already comes with.

[Paulatic]

This one comes with guards and rack fitted £299 in the sale.
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/roux-e ... fe8bfec35f

[Pagw]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll see if I can try out the Decathlon bike. I don't know of a place I could try the edinburghbicycle.com one, though, and I'm a bit reticent about buying without trying.

A couple of extra questions came to mind about the Carrera - I noticed it has front suspension, which I've read is often worse than having no suspension on budget bikes - would that be the case at the £250ish price point too? And would its disc brakes be expected to be of decent quality (they seem to normally be found on more expensive bikes, so I'm wondering if these stand much chance of being good)?

[Bonefishblues]

Check that the Decathlon can take mudguards - essential on a commuter

[Grandad]

For commuting at that price point, I'd have difficulty looking beyond
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/hoprider-30 ... 07664.html

Just the sort of bike I've been looking for. Unfortunately none available either on line or in store