Please help me....

[Sara123]

Hi to all you lovely helpful people
I have been thinking and thinking about taking up cycling as a form of keep fit since last year. I am now about to take the plunge (spurred on by agreeing to do an 80 mile charity bike ride next May) However it's sooooo confusing and I'm feeling all discombobulated!
I am in my early 50's, slim and walk and swim regularly but not rode a bike properly for many years.
I think I want a hybrid bike and my biggest concern is if I am going to be able to cycle up hills, so which bike would make this less strain and hard work(I do know it will take practice as well), but if there is a bike that will make this any easier then I would be really grateful for some guidance. My budget is around £300.
Many thanks in advance for any advice

 

[Pale Rider]

Ease of pedalling means light weight and narrow tyres which roll easier.

In theory, a women-specific bike in the right size should fit you better, which will also translate to more efficient pedalling.

This Specialized at £399 might fit the bill:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-vita-13?bct=browse/bicycles

 

[vickster]

A triple chainset will make getting up hills more easy as you have more gears (you'll see something like xx-xx-xx in the spec for the gearing, while a double will be xx-xx). The lighter the better too, although if you are already slim this may be less important. Unless you are riding on roough stuff, forget about suspension

I'd perhaps look for a fast hybrid, maybe a used model - something like a Specialized Vita

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Cycling-/7294/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=specialized+vita

 

[biggs682]

sara123 if you are anywhere near me theres always a couple road bikes you are welcome to come and try to help with getting right size etc etc

 

[Sara123]

Thank you for replies. I will look at the suggestions, I am sorry I forgot to say I don't want drop handlebars if possible