Sorry, geared bikes but which bike do I get? help please

If you're likely to keep it and upgrade, shortlist the best quality frames. If you're just going to get a new one when the Cyclescheme comes around next year, it's not so important.

You raise a good point there. I always recomend going for the very best frame (in terms of fit too), and upgrading parts (esp. wheels) to taste.

But if its going to be replaced, then look at stuff like wheel more carefully. On budget bike, Shimano do solid wheelsets for example.