The definitive OTP ( Off-The-Peg ) List (<£500 and <£1,000 sections)

I'd be more inclined to recommend a single speed MTN, than a cruiser. The ride would be better.
The GT peacemaker is....
cheap as chips (£330),
tough as old boots,
made of butted steel,
looks cool (IMHO)
and comes with disc brakes.

The real advantage being the EBB, which solves the whole faffing with disc brake alinment thing.

Also at Evans.

Great idea, these are good soild bikes, with good components for the price. Nothing wrong with commuting on a 29er with skinny rubber on it, and the fact that you can put the fatties back on a head off road is great. Far better idea than one of those Kona cruises, and the disc brakes make a huge difference to wet weather handling (This is London after all).