I think in the UK a good bike shop is likely to be owned and run by bike enthusiasts, a bit like Hi Fi or music shops… Maybe it’s different in France, where do you tend to buy your bikes, Hyper-U?
Anyway, it is good to have all that confirmed, I am still interested in other people’s view about what makes up a good bike at this price point, but the dealer will probably guide me in the final analysis. Thanks all.
there is some little shops with bikes but mostly you can buy in big sports shops as Decathlon, Go sport, or even Auchan…
Edouard Leclerc?
…just kidding 
I guess my point was that if the OP wants some advice on getting it right buying a new bike, then at least here in the UK (I can’t speak for France) a bike shop with a good reputation is the only reliable source of advice. I am well versed in many things bike. I build, restore and maintain seven of my own bikes, road, hybrid and mountain bikes, but I would still direct anyone looking for advice to find a good bike shop.
My local shop would not sell me a bike until after a long discussion about my needs and desires, my skill levels, etc. and invited me to go on a shop led mountain bike ride to further assess what would suit me best. No forum can offer that level of assistance.
every town doesn’t have such a nice expert dealer.
Agreed. I travel 35 miles to my “local” dealer.
Like buying anything it helps to go In armed with a bit of knowledge. Shimano is the prominent manufacturer of groupsets and produce a range from cheap tat to Nice. At the budget mentioned here you’ll be lower to middle. Get a sense of what’s what - Google Shimano Best to Worst to give yourself a head start.
I have heard good things about Evans Cycles, and they do have a decent range of bikes and kit, so I went down there.
Hugely disappointed, served by a semi-knowledgeable 19-year old, lots of talk, didn’t say much that was useful, and kept pushing his own brand, Pinnacle.
Every time I asked about the Trek or Specialized brands he played them down, preferring the own brand bike. I really got a feeling he was on a bonus for selling these.
I do think that they have some very good bikes, but I was hoping to get a bit more informed advice about what was right for me, he never offered an opinion, just responded to the questions I had.
Not bad as such, but not what I was hoping for.
I have two owner-managed shops to go to now, both sell really good kit, I have high expectations 
Tony
Eric is short-hand for Edouard?
Decathlon have a reputation for good value here. Maybe not the ultimate in high end but selling reasonable bikes at a sensible price.
you said i was unfair…
yes, but the sellers are not all qualified. The problem is here.
I would expect this to be the case - don’t forget Evans is now owned by Mike Ashley. Having said this the big US makers don’t necessarily have the best value bikes at the low/middle end of the market so I wouldn’t rule out Pinnacle completely. Boardman is a good brand - albeit that they are available through ‘Halfrauds’…
I don’t consider Evans as a proper LBS [ Local Bike Shop ] Evans is more of a high street National outfit chain and mail order firm - a bit like Halfrauds. The size and nature of the firm isn’t able to compete with real Local Bike Shops that can give more time and support to customers who maybe aren’t regular cyclists or simply are’t street wise to what they really need. I also see Evans often have reduced prices on bikes that are last year models, which all very well and good but they tend to be the very large or very small frame sizes only…
It’s important to buy a bike that is the correct size and fit, suits the needs it will be used for, and have local support if you have a mechanical problem [or need a warrantee issue] a good local LBS is a good place to go for this.
Also LBS is good to buy helmet, winter gloves, rain jacket, etc that are a good fit.
have you tried specialized forums like this one ?
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1161596-your-best-all-purpose-bike.html
I am happy to pay more to get good advice, so I will focus on the good LBS’s, a bit like going to a specialised, owner/managed hifi shop 
Will report back when I get something
Def (good)LBS. How did you get on or is it still onging?
And weight savings on bike need to be considered in the context of gross weight with rider… unless in competition there is little to be gained pursuing ultimate lightness of bike, other than for manual handling like lifting over fences or hanging on the wall.
A lot of people put their bikes in trains. So the lightweight is researched.
But apart that, I agree.