gents. you're preaching to the converted.

Last summer I bought myself a Scott Sportster P3 hybrid bike, with hydraulic disc brakes and front shock, yet still quite light weight. I do use it to cycle to work, on average 2-3 times a week, and have so far clocked up 2500 miles on it.

But in bad weather, and Nov to Feb when the nights draw in (as cycling around here is too dangerous in the dark!) then its the gas-guzzler!

And you're spot on. It takes me 30 mins +/- 5 mins or so depending on wind direction, traffic and luck of lights/junctions. On average, it is 10 mins quicker than the car except during holidays when the car is 5-10 mins quicker.