New bike

[mumtosnchild]

Looking to buy a bike for leisure purposes. Will be riding pavements but also down canal paths etc. This will be for family rides but also for fitness purposes. Not for commuting.

A lot of the bikes I have seen the saddles are microscopic and I am overweight (17 stone) so not sure which bike would be best for me.

I haven't owned a bike since I was a child so not sure what to look for. My budget is up to £500. Have been considering Liv bikes. My daughter has always had ridgebacks which also seem good bikes. I have Decathlon plus an independent bike shop nearby which I think specialise in Forme bikes. But I live in London so there are a number of shops in the area.

Grateful for advice!

Suppprt your LBS (local bike shop) - although I'm in Glasgow so cant advise which is a good one.

It will be able to customise a bike, including changing the saddle to one that will be best suited to your needs. Don't be scared by "small" saddles and deceived/seduced by the idea of gel saddles: large and/or saddles can actually be more uncomfortable on long rides as they put more pressure on your pubic bones and delicate lady bits

Sounds like a hybrid bike would be right for you with broader tyres (but still get smooth ones) - but beyond that I can advise, as I always left it up to the LBS and/or the parents of ds' cycling friends/his coaches (when he raced) and my dad (as my parents were "serious" recreational cyclists )

Agree a LBS will give you advice tailored to your needs & your budget.