Could anyone recommend a mountain bike that will help an unfit cycler get fitter but doesn't break the budget?

[TrinityRhino]

I like riding a bike but I dont want my arse to hurt after 10 mins

also I think I need a fair few gears

My hybrid was around £430 (Marin Muirwoods), 5 years ago.
I have it set up with MTB geometry (just means it's more aerodynamic than most hybrids).

I'm currently looking at buying a bike as well. I haven't decided on what so can't advise on specific models (though tempted by a Giant Roam which is like a lean mountain bike, I think the guy called it an "urban cross" as far as I can tell a variation of hybrid.) Anyway I found the staff in Cycle Surgery generally know their stuff so you could go and chat to them even if you don't buy from there. They will tell you about the different types of hybrids etc. Also at the moment they have sales on so you can get last season's bikes for £50-£100 cheaper (though not as much choice obviously). And if you work then your company might be signed up to a cycle scheme which essentially allows you to buy a bike free of tax and NI (so it gets deducted from your gross earnings if that makes sense). Depending on tax bracket this can save you a bit as well. (Plus the employer saves money as well because they don't pay NI on the price of the bike.) Hope that helps a bit.

Forgot to say one thing that makes a huge difference to the whole ass-hurting issue is padded shorts. They don't have to be tight Lycra, I've got a pair which have an inner padded layer with a pair of baggy outside shorts (I'm not describing it well). Anyway they work!

The Boardman range at Halfords get good reviews and will probably have a hybrid in your price range. Would definitely recommend a chat in a good local bike shop though.

I bought my first bike from Decathlon less than a year ago, it was about £300 and a hybrid. I took to cycling even though I'm the least sporty person you could meet and found very quickly that it was a mistake to buy such a cheap bike even though it was the best one Decathlon did at the time. Within four months I went to my local independent bike shop and bought a good hybrid they were incredibly helpful. I'd skip the Decathlon route and go straight to your indi bike shop, don't be put off by the seriously expensive bikes the people that work there will just want to find the right bike for you and your budget. It's in their interest because when you get hooked and want another one you'll go back.

Good luck.

Also my better bike is less hurty on the arse.

my best bike is seriously razor sharp on my little bottom - buts it isn't the bikes fault it is the saddle so I have padded shammy in my lycra shorts and I also have padded boxers to wear with normal shorts

There are 2 independent bikes shops in Carlisle which have a good reputation and range of stock.scotby cycles and Palace cycles.

Good advice from earlier posters. I would recommend a Spezialised Sirrus. Fab bike around £450if you buy an older model.

Ladies saddle always good but ladies geometry not necessarily. It depends on your proportions - for example I am a short arse but ride xs blokes frames due to my proportions. Is good for me as mucho bargains to be had in that size .

Get training and come to Stirling for Diva 100 race in May - is an easy route no big hills!

Wow such a lot of good advice, thankyou so much. I'm not rushing into buying one because I want to get it right

Really appreciate the help

Womens specific geometry is just a marketing measure - what they actually are typically are relaxed frames, what in the mens range would be called "sportive" or "roubaix". This is because despite what everyone tells you, women in the UK actually have typically shorter legs and longer bodies than men, but regardless of that there's more difference between individuals than there is between the sexes.

What women do need though typically, are narrower handlebars (women do tend to have narrower shoulders) and different shaped seats. A local bike shop should be willing to change these for you when you buy (but they could be changed after and aren't that expensive.

With saddles, more padding is not necessarily a good thing, you need the right amount, bike shops will often have test saddles you can ride (often in very bright hideous colours) and you try them out to find the right shape for you.

Gel saddle covers are also a good investment. If your bike is out in the rain, the saddle cover need not be and you don't get a wet bum!