Feeling quite pleased with myself because I bit the bullet on Monday and got back on a bike to see if I could still ride. If I say the last bike I had as a kid was a Raleigh Chopper, then you'll realise it was a long while ago.
After a nervous start, in half an hour I was riding again. However, it was so uncomfortable on my bottom, I didn't enjoy it at all! To be fair, the bike was a rusty piece of junk that has been languishing in someone's shed and the saddle was not sprung.
I have suffered with low back pain, sciatica etc in the past so comfort is my priority. I do not intend to cycle on main roads, just cycle paths and quiet lanes. I am looking for a Dutch style hybrid bike. I have seen the Pendleton Somerby and the B'twin Elop online. They look like nice bikes though some reviews claim they are heavy.
What size frame should I get? I am 5'6" tall.
I don't want to spend too much at this stage because I need lots of practice. Any recommendations? It would be nice to hear from bike virgins like myself who have started cycling again. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to find a saddle as comfortable as the Chopper but then my bum was smaller then 
.