Think I need to include a pilates class too at some point during the week.

I can do 5k, aiming for sub 30 mins 5k. If I manage 3sessions x3 weeks will get garmin I think.

The problem is that I think I’ll be working away for two weeks. But I can run there, that shouldn’t stop me.

I’d buy a Kona and spruce it up with some flash decals (that’s Canadian for stickers).

But I hasten to point out that I buy like a girl. (But seriously though, I do weigh up the alternatives like a machine before buying from my very short shortlist like a girl)

It definitely, absolutely needs an mp3 player though… no question.

Is it worth saying that, despite my diabetes, I also like eating cakes?

Rafe has got it right in terms of spec/money/models etc, Clive is right in terms of mtb riders designing mtbs. Red is right about the upgrading, it can and invariably does end up phenomenally expensive. Trio loves pretty bikes but also knows a fair bit about them. Carrie is spot on too.

I’d personally go with Rafe’s suggestions. I’ve often found last yrs models to be nicer looking compared to this years. But, like Red, I haven’t ridden a wsd so can’t really comment on them.

Look around and try many. You’ll usually find that when the bike feels great, you won’t care whether it’s pretty pretty or average looking. It’s how it rides that’s important not how it looks. My ogre wasn’t the prettiest of things but handled the trails amazingly.

More importantly, do what is right for you and nobody else!

Group 1: Kona Kula Lisa or Trek 6700 WSD.

Group 2: Kona Lisa Deluxe or Trek 6300 WSD or Orange Diva.

Step 1: Decide if you can afford to buy group 1, if not look at group 2

Step 2: Ride each bike in that group – though doesn’t matter if you can only ride a Lisa not a Kula Lisa as geometry is the same

Step 3: If one particular brand feels like it’s a much better fit then buy that. If not, buy the one you think looks the nicest.

The Diva is easily the best looking apart from the graphics (which really don’t do it for me).

The other bike you are calling a Lisa but linking to the Lisa Deluxe. The Lisa is worth dismissing straight away. The Lisa Deluxe is similar spec to the Diva – I’m struggling to differentiate, one component is better on the Lisa Deluxe, one is better on the Diva.

Personally, I’d buy the Kula Lisa if I could. Lighter wheels and a better fork are the things you’ll notice most off-road and the first thing you’d want to upgrade, do it now to save money in the long run.

I was going to say look at what Trek are offering in their WSD range but for some bizarre reason they don’t seem to do a 6500 WSD – which would probably be the one I’d recommend. Worth looking at their 6300 WSD and 6700 WSD though – comparable to the Diva/Lisa Deluxe & Kula Lisa but maybe prettier?

I obviously haven’t ridden either bike on your list so I can’t comment on them; but you wont go far wrong with either Kona or Orange as a brand. Changing the colour (aka upgrading) can soon become seriously expensive. If the colour and decals aren’t right on these bikes then I would keep looking for another week or two to try and find a bike that is right.

If you want to save money then try searching for last years model. http://www.paulscycles.co.uk is a good place to start looking. Often the only difference between models is the colour. So you could try this years bike at a store then buy last years bike on-line.
If you need interest free credit then theres always the option of a credit card that offers 0%APR for 12 months (Just remember to pay it off)!