Cyclists out there, please advise!

[Enjoyingthepeace]

With summer here, I don't want to be stuck at home whilst DH and children out exploring the countryside on their bikes. So I'm going to take the plunge and buy a bike.

Please could someone help me. I have no idea where to start.

I'm 5'7 and fit, but haven't cycled long distances in five years or so. We will mainly be doing leisurely 5/10 mile routes as my son will be 5/6 yrs old. Mainly on paths, or forest paths. So easy routes.

What would you recommend? I would very much like to keep under £500

Thank you

Halfords or decathlon. Get a hybrid bike (road and off road), with front suspension. I find front and rear suspension too bouncy and harder to ride. Youll easily get one for much less than that, unless you want to spend more!

I have a Ariel hybrid and really like it. Its taken me round family MTB routes, and on the road, and is a comfortable position. I've had no problems on it. I've heard the Boardman is good, though have no personal experience.

If you have a nice local bike shop, go and tell them what you want out of a bike, your budget, and see what they suggest. Bikes are quite personal, so don't be afraid to try them out

Avoid anything under the £350 mark. I made the mistake of buying a Dawes as my first attempt and ended up replacing it a year later.

Giant do very reliable bikes for your budget. I have a Giant Escape 1. I love it! Trek and Specialized do bikes that are good quality too, so it's a bit of a case of what suits you and what brand your local bike shop stocks.

I started off cycling just to get to the station a couple of miles away, but got really into it and did the coast to coast ride last year (150 miles over three days). My bike coped admirably. So my view is that it's worth getting something that will do the job if you start wanting to do longer rides.

The Giant Escapes are all hybrid types, but with slim enough tires to be good on the roads as well as good for tow-paths, decent tracks etc.

The most important piece of advice I want to give (but for some reason everyone always ignores it - the first time anyway ) is to go to your local bike shop to buy your bike. A good local shop will help you and make sure your bike is set up to fit you, swapping parts if necessary, and will be helpful when you go back to them for services etc.

I bought my first bike at Evans and not only did they sell me a crap bike, they also sold me tools that weren't compatible with the screws/nuts on the bloody bike!

If you're working do participate in the Cycle to Work scheme. Tax free cycling!

Thanks so much. Will head to local shop this weekend!

Local bike shop was so helpful. Gone for a cube

Excellent! Happy cycling