Try loosening off the screws on the cleat a bit - but not so much that the thing starts to fall away.

Have a look at what cyclocross bikes are available at your nearest Evans or LBS

Agree with trailofdavid - a cyclocross is a better option than a hybrid as you can put road tyres on and it's almost as good as a road bike (on the road) with the added advantage of being perfectly capable on tow paths etc.

I would imagine you'll need to spend a bit more than £500 to get a decent new cx bike, if I was you I would get something second hand. Try the bikeradar forum classifieds or even ebay / gumtree - something like a Kona Jake, Cannondale CAAD-X, Kinesis Crosslight, Boardman CX or if you don't want to spend too much on second hand then maybe a Specialized Tricross which can usually be had for around £250 - £350 depending on condition.

No bother, worth pointing out they're not a race tyre so if you are looking for something super grippy or very low rolling resistance then there are far better alternatives but for everything else they are decent

Anyone doing Prudential at the weekend?

http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/road-bike-reviews

Whilst there are loads of tyres not tested on there the newer Rubino Pro's actually did really well in this test (for a mid range tyre).

25c is supposedly the best (current school of thought…) & latex tubes make a real difference too but are pricey & need pumping up before every ride.

Vittoria Open Corsa CX, Vredestein Fortezza Tricomp & Continental GP4000S have always reputedly been right up there with the very best clinchers, but as always you pay a premium.

For 40 - 70 miles a week a pair of tyres should last you the summer so I wouldn't worry too much about price - you'll spend more on a night out than on a pair of the best tyres.

Yeah, me too. Just seen that I have to go to the bloody Excel to register the day before. Massive arseache if you live outside London.

What you riding? I'll be on a celeste Bianchi with horrible blue tyres.

cos he's going up hills faster than pantani and armstrong did and pantani was one of the best natural climbers ever. plus panti and armstrong were both drugged out of their heads too.

a few years ago froome couldn't climb out of his own bath and now he's riding faster than these 2 clean? yeah right.

Its the history of doping scandals and of course the burden of the yellow jersey, it puts a massive magnify glass over your head. Just comparing climbing times is bullshit tbh, there are certainly more factors that can affect a performance.

In the end its really simple: innocent until proven guilty.

My new nomad cc, had to wait a month for sc to get new stock, can't wait to ride this beast.