Had a day off yesterday so finally took the plunge and bought myself an "entry level" bike.  After looking long and hard for a second-hand bike, I came to the conclusion that everyone wanting to sell a bike was a giant (6'2" or more - I'm only 5'9") so I had to buy new.  Got myself an ORBEA Larrau.  Had a few freebies thrown in for good measure too (helmet, lock, puncture kit etc)

Seems ok for the money.  Gearing isn't as good as I would have liked (entry level Shimano STI), but you can't be too choosy at the bottom end of the market.  It's a fairly light bike and the frame seems v. good (lifetime guarantee too!).

Storage could be a bit of a problem in a 1-bed house - not many options (more than a 1-bed flat though!).  No garage or garden-shed to choose from.  It's currently stored under the stairs with it's front wheel off.  Think I'll have to get something to lift it off the floor though - it can't be a good thing to have it resting on the front forks.  I could put it in the loft, but that would be a pain in the a*se each time I want to get it out.