Help! I need a new bike!

[monster]

Oh right, sorry. So used to people who don't see the point of doing anything else when you can drive.

Ok We are lucky, we could "afford" the $800 if there was evidence that it would be worth it to us, but right now -nice though the bike was- I'm after alternatives/suggestions etc, it really does seem like too much to be spending on this. This is just the starting point -I'm still trying to work out what i wantr/need/feel is good value. My last bike was bought because we had a buy one get one free coupon in the UK. These do not happen often on things like bikes in the UK It was a good deal. but we had to buy in a certain store, so choice was limited. the bike before that my parents bought. So this is a whole new ballgame. I could get a nice looking second hand bike fairly easily round here, but before I even contemplate that option, I need to know what I'm out for. And how to spot a fucked-up bike that's been neaten back into reasonable shape. I bike a lot, but I'm not a cyclist.

that said, I liked that bike. If it turned out to be the best and I couldn't find a decent second hand one, I'd consider buying a new one. But I like to do my research thoroughly, and asking you lot is part of it.

thanks