I want a new push bike, any suggestions or helpful advice

Oh that sucks.  I guess if it's display only a local Evans won't price match.

Any opinion on the Decathlon Triban 3?  I have read alot of good reports on it.  I had planned on spending £600ish on a hybrid bike through the cycle to work scheme.  The Triban 3 is only £300 which I could buy outright.

I have never cycled before so I'm leaning to the idea of buying the cheaper bike and seeing how I get on.  If I don't cycle much I haven't spent big money and the Triban would do alright for an occasional ride and if I do then I can buy something better and do it through cycle to work. For instance, the local shop has the Genesis Vapour for £999 (Disc version for £1200) which ticks every box for me but I couldn't justify spending that amount unless I was sure I would use it.

I shall hold my hand up and admit my wrongs - i missed that.  Glad it is as the more people get on a bike the better I say

Hmm, Real Cycles in Northern Ireland have it at £854.99

http://www.realcycles.com/m37b158s199p2929/_GENESIS_Day_One_01_Alfine_8_...

It should meet Evans price match critera as it is UK, worth a punt?

http://www.evanscycles.com/help/price-match

(I'm looking for a new commuter too at the moment, I keep seeing these things pop up!)

10.5kg is not bad for a £300 bike.  Id be tempted to try it out to see if you like cycling, and maybe go the ride to work route early next year if you like cycling and get more for your money?  In January/Feb, you could get something pretty special for a grand.  Six months on you would only loose £150 selling on the Decathlon, but you could potentially get a £1800 bike for a grand in the sales.

If I go with the Triban 3 I'd probably keep it till 2013 at least to see when and where I ride. Do I only do summer riding, would I want to do more off road etc.

I called into Decathlon this afternoon but they'd sold out. They're very popular apparently.

When is the best time for sale bikes? Normal January sales? Any hints or tips on what to look for?

Most manufacturers change their line up about this time of year, so discounted old models will be available now.

What you have to appreciate is that once you join a club and start racing with a number on your back, it suddenly does become elitist and competitive. The Rules are written against this context, so strike a humorous chord with many amatuer club cyclists, though many of the rules reflect how many of them think and behave. Some are important, like the etiquette of riding in a training group / paceline if you want to avoid irritating and annoying your fellow riders, or worse causing a pile up in a bunch. Most of the messages are don't ride like an a hole.

That said, The Rules are not something you'd want to thrust in front of a leisure cyclist, as they are mostly meaningless and very offputting!

Just trying to decide on accessories I need. Drawing a blank on pumps.  Am I right in thinking that I should get one of the bigger floor type ones with a gauge that I use to check tyre pressures as and when needed and also get a mini pump to use when on the road. These don't have gauges and you just pump to what would feel right and check with the bigger pump when you get home?

Also, for the mini pump, what difference do the psi of the different pumps mean? Some say 90, some 120.  Is that the maximum they can pump too?

I saw something like this for a floor pump. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Airace-Infinity-Sport-Floor-Steel/dp/B003SWZJQM/... as a cheaper option though this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=39688 gets better reviews.  Any pointers?

There is a wide range of mini pumps at the shops round me.  What sort of psi rated pump should I be looking at buying?

Cheers.

GGs for courses, mate. The floor type with gauge is the one you should use most of the time. The smaller ones are mostly for punctures or unexpected flats, more to get you home than anything else.

Pressure - mine are usually around the 90psi mark. Less is more comfortable, but too low isn't great for jumping up curbs etc. Read somewhere that you get less flats with higher pressure, but don't really know.

I have the Joe Blow Sport 2 pump in your chain reaction link, its an excellent pump.

I never personally carry repair kits or a pump on commutes, only if I head off in to the woods.  Make sure your have some hardy tires, Specialized Armadillo, or if you want something faster Continental Gator Hardshells are pretty tough.  Spending extra on folding tires rather than wire beaded tires is worth the money, weight saved on the wheels has a much bigger effect than weight saved on the frame etc.

In terms of pressure, as hard as you are comfortable with (staying inside of the tires specifications of course).  You could bash 110psi in to your tire and it would be fast, but pretty uncomfortable.

It's a big mistake not to take a pump, spare inner tube or spoons with you for any kind of cycle ride, commuting or other. 10 miles is a long walk with a flat tyre.

On average I change tubes on the road once every three months or so.

I have never had to replace a tube on a commute.  I would check out the tires I recommended if I was you.  I have probably jinxed myself now  

New or old tyres, you still get punctures. Glass is a killer.