Dr Beardy says I NEED a utility bike…

[Beardy]

Well, not quite in so few words. What she said was I need to cycle more to run local errands, but not on the Grasshopper*. After discussions I have parsed this to the above and have taken it as an instruction to make N+1 happen when the boat comes in.

As I am renowned for my overthinking and indecision I’m going to start my research now so I’m ready to strike when the opportunity arises.

I am therefore seeking recommendations for areas of research with the criteria being; suitability for a larger person of not inconsiderable weight (1.8m, 123kg) with some luggage capacity. The furthest I’m likely to ride it is into Ipswich wincing is circa 10miles, though mostly will be distances of 3 or 4 miles. I live in Woodbridge in East Suffolk which while not hilly like Yorkshire, isn’t flat like the fens.

I’m currently undecided about electric bikes.

*Dr Beardy believes that recumbents can’t possibly be safe!

[Wowbagger]

Just a point of clarification: is this utility bike for you or Dr. Beardy?

[Beardy]

Just a point of clarification: is this utility bike for you or Dr. Beardy?

it will be me that’s riding it, but the errands will be on her behalf.

[Wowbagger]

It seems that your mass and vertical dimensions are remarkably similar to my own.

[Kim]

*Dr Beardy believes that recumbents can’t possibly be safe!

She clearly hasn't fallen off enough of them.

[rr]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315548643551?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=a7dzypqsqh6&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=8WfSFfJzTZK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Elephant bike

[Cudzoziemiec]

You mentioned Ipswich, so I'd suggest something sturdy on the mtb or hybrid spectrum from here: https://www.orwellmencap.co.uk/greenbike/

[Paul H]

I’m currently undecided about electric bikes.

Try one and become decided. 
If your utility use is going to include times when you don't particularly want to cycle, they just make sense.  Get a secondhand one, try it for a month or two, trade up, get rid, or keep.

[Mr Larrington]

That is the role into which the Perfectly Good Gentleman’s Mountain Bicycle has fallen.  It's an ancient Trek 4300 according to the writing on its frame though said frame is literally the only original component of the machine that crept out of a Saarrff Londonton bike shop after Miss von Brandenburg had killed my previous Perfectly Good Gentleman’s Mountain Bicycle utterly to DETH by using it to torpedo an unsuspecting taxi-cab in the stern quarter.

[Regulator]

My current workhorse, go to, bike:  Genesis Columbia Road.

Yes, it's electric (the range is excellent).  Yes, it's a mixte frame (but I don't care).

I'd thoroughly recommend it to the dishonourable member for Suffolk Coastal.

[The Family Cyclist]

My trusty Thorn club tour works brilliantly as a utility bike so long as don't need to leave anyone dodgy. It's probably not conventional in being attractive to tea leaves but would cost me a lot to replace.

However if I was going for a utility bike I'd almost certainly add elastictrickery if possible as described above for days you just can't be arsed

[Wobbly John]

Personally, I would agree with the “buy secondhand and sell again if it doesn’t suit “ option.
For commuting and general utility (apart from trailer hauling), I use a Ridgeback flight 4 hybrid bike.
Bought for £120, and spent about £100 on getting bottom bracket, cranks and brakes sorted.
I love the hydraulic disc brakes. The Alfine 8 is useful for gear changes in town, or when stationary, but is heavy and a right pain to get the back wheel in & out. External bottom brackets only last me about 10,000 miles, whereas I expect 30 - 40k from sealed square taper.

[ElyDave]

I find the opposite, I only have square taper on the 90s mtb, but it has been disproportionately replaced vs the external cup BBs based on mileage

Maybe I'm buying the wrong square taper

[fd3]

Forget electrickery! Buy a fixed gear.

Or, use this as an excuse to buy an electric Moulton.  After all you have become used to the comfort of the recumbent.