Newbie seeking Hybrid £200-250

[baldyj]

Right I'm 31, 5ft 8, have an inside leg of 29", 14st and haven't cycled in a very long time! I'm looking to get back on a bike to help with weight and fitness, and plan to cycle for about an hour 3 times a week. I imagine I will be using roads for the vast majority of the time, and have decided that a hybrid would suit my needs.

I really don't want to spend a lot of money if I'm honest and I thought I had cracked it by reserving the following bike which is £209.99 with the current promotion:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...a-crossfire-1-hybrid-bike-2011-2012-medium-17

However after doing some further research it would appear I am committing two mistakes - buying from Halfords and having front suspension!

I think the issue that concerns me more is that of the suspension. Do you think it will make that much difference for my purposes?

I did look for the Subway which seems to be recommended a lot for my scenario, but I'm reluctant to pay the extra unless the difference really is worth it.

 

[Garethgas]

At the £200 mark, you will be looking at low end stuff.
Nothing wrong with that as a starter...I have a 10 yr old subway from Halfords and still ride it most days, an excellent bike for the money.
Mind you, I've altered the gearing ratio's but that's a personal choice.
However, I'm very lucky as I have 4 Halfords within an 8 mile radius and they are all excellent. So it's very much a lottery.
Then again, if there's anything wrong, just take it back to be corrected.
I'd also second User13710's comment on suspension. It's heavy and not really needed for roads, towpaths etc.

 

[MarkF]

At the £200 mark, you will be looking at low end stuff.
.

£200 bought me a 6 week old, sub 30 mile Sirrus. I have bought umpteen hybrids, mostly off Ebay, all within the £200-250 range, I do this because so many people start cycling and then give up pretty much straight away.