Best bike for a chunky beginner!

[Tiredandsnacky]

So I am 1/2 way into my weight loss journey and feel ready to tackle some exercise (for the first time in my life).
I'd like to start cycling but have no idea where to start in buying a bike.
My budget is up to £600 although I'd rather keep it under £400 if possible.
I would like to build up to being able to cycle to and from work (4.5 miles) and I would only be using it on the road/bike paths. Not interested in mountain biking over rough terrain.
I am 5ft5 and currently 15st, aiming to lose another 5st over the next year or so.

I'd love some recommendations and advice! Thanks 😊

Specialized Sirrus X 2.0 2023 Hybrid Bike | Evans Cycles

Something like this maybe?
Have a look on their website to give you some ideas about options.
Then, if you can, go to try some out.
You'd likely be looking for a small in mens. S/M in womens.
I suggested another bike on another thread which looked a great deal but think it would be too small for you sadly. There's some info on that thread - it's on the cycling board - that might help.

Other advice:
Get a helmet obvs.
Padded shorts really help.
Weather gear for when it's wet and/or cold.
Lights for when it's dark.
If you're commuting, puncture proof tyres are a really good idea. They are not totally puncture proof but work pretty well. Stops you getting a puncture on the way to work :)

Well done by the way. I need to get back on my bike myself.

Try & get a second hand bike from an independent or charity bike shop. They will have been serviced and be in really good repair, but you’ll get so much more for your money! They’ll also be able to recommend something for you. For example, my bike is a gravel bike knew it would’ve been £2000. I got it for £600 and it was only three years old.

If you're planning on staying in your job for a while it's also worth considering a cycle to work scheme. You could check it your workplace offers one. You basically get to spread the cost of a bike over 12 months, deducted from your salary. I've used it and it's great. I bought a much better bike than I would have done otherwise and love it. You can buy accessories with it too. Don't forget a decent lock.

I'd recommend trying bikes out too. Some will be more comfy than others.

The specialised Sirrus suggested above is perfect for you, or something similar.

Its a great brand for that price.

The better the bike, the more likely you are to ride it. Have a go on one, and choose the one you like to ride, and the one when you look at it you think "i'd like to go out on that today".

You won't regret buying the Sirrus though.

I think you'd be surprised how far you will be able to go too - tell yourself you'll ride for 30 minutes, stopping when you want to, or simply ride to somwhere you fancy stopping (coffee shop, nice view), and cycle back

Good luck - i hope you fall in love with your bike

Thank you everyone!

Look at the Ridgeback Avenida, it's very comfortable to ride if you're not particularly sporty and prefer a more upright position. The handlebars are cranked which I find much more comfortable than straight bars.

Also think about where you will keep it at work and home. This needs to be easy. A good bike stored somewhere inaccessible will be less usable than a cheap bike stored somewhere it is really easy to just get on and go.

High visibility clothes, how will you carry your work stuff? Do you need a rack and panniers for your laptop / lunch)? Lights, light fittings (get the shop to put these on for you if needed), lock, a can of wd40, a good pump (I have one which i stand on vertically which is easy to use), and know where you will get repairs done. I have a man in a van who comes to the house. Again make it easy!

Oh and mudguards as some bikes may not have them. The extras can be really pricey - so I would go for a cheap bike with all the extras you need to make life easy!

Go to a bike shop and try out the different bikes. Some do a hire / try before you buy. What works for me may be a world of awful for you.
Also consider what type of riding you want to do... My town bike is a folder so I don't get stranded at the train station. My all day riding bike is a gravel bike with cow horn bars to give a good variety of terrain and position options- my riding style puts most of my weight on my arms so my hands get sore if I ride in a single position. I also used to also have a Dutch sit up and beg bike... Great for cycling short distances on the road because you are more visible and can see all.... But heavy so not so good for a long / hilly ride.

I have a sit up lady bike. It is much more comfortable than the MTB I first got. Pay attention to the saddle and how your weight is distributed across it, particularly where your sit bones are.

Would second (third? Fourth?) the hybrid specialised, or another hybrid bike, with puncture resistant tires (e.g. schwalbe marathon). I have a similar commute and for the distance, a sit up and beg would be too heavy for me. Panniers are more comfortable than a rucksack but would need a rack. If you don't have a shower at work, wear merino wool tops for your ride, they are amazingly unsmelly, and keep some baby wipes and deodorants handy. Beware of soft saddles. Counterintuitively, hard saddles are much better/more comfortable. You need to find one that works for you.

Lastly, get the best lock money can by! In London apparently, there was even a spate of thefts from office garages. Thieves rode a cheap junk one in (let in by unsuspecting security guards) and then picked a pricy one to ride out on...