eBay and Craigslist finds

The main problem with Ribble is that they have very little re-sale value should you want to sell the bike at a later date. That apart, they offer good value for money.

If your budget is £1k then you've lots of options as that is a very competitive price point due to the cycle to work scheme. Boardman offer very good value, with a high level of finishing kit for the price, the Cannondale CAAD9 is a great frame so you could get that with a cheaper groupset on and upgrade later if you like it. As bp says, there are lots of options out there.

Well I've now narrowed it down to the Boardman team or one of Ribbles offerings, but I'm just not sure which one offers more for the money - around 7/£800 I want it mainly to commute 17 miles to and from work, rides on weekend and some light carridice saddle bag touring in summer. Choices choices I hear you cry!