New bike - advice needed

[Purplefurrydice]

Over the recent months I have become a lot fitter and I am looking into getting a bike. The trouble is the last time I had a bike was 15 years ago so I don't have the foggiest idea what I should be looking for. The bike would be for general cycling, maybe into town or along the river for fun, etc.

The thing is that I am not a girly female and the first shop I went it had a selection of bikes that were pink/purple/white, etc.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm only 5 foot 2 inches tall.

General cycling you want a hybrid.
Go to your local bike shop (not halfords) and get them to fit you to a bike.
Mr gin had the male version of this, its not pink or girly but a womens fit. www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.liv.giant.escape.1.w/11869/56913/

My OH is getting me a bike for my birthday and insistant that we get it from Halfords. I tried to tell him that Halfords is a car shop not a bike shop and we should go to a bike shop. Went to Halfords yesterday where I saw the sea of white/pink/purple bikes (as obviously females don't like any other colours!)

Finally after a about 10 minutes of standing around with no one to serve us he gave up and we left. Now he is insisting on dragging me to a bigger Halfords today!

Oh dear. :(
Would he buy from Halford's online? (some better choices)
What is your budget?

I would second Giant Escape. Excellent bike for the money. Just bought one for DS who is your height for £250

I'm 5ft 3 and I have a Gazelle Esprit for use in town etc. It's wonderful though expensive. Mind you I've had it for 5 years now and it looks like it's good for at least another 20 years.

Halfords is only a shop window for the on-line business, and only then a teeny show of what's available. Our local one doesn't even allow test rides.
Go to a proper bike shop who will know what they are talking about, and have an interest in it. No idea why anyone would insist on Halfords.

and this is an ongoing thread, though a bit quiet of late, for general advice and support