Unsure...

[vickster]

You'll need to try one It was a men's one I sat on, Trek maybe, can't remember.

Another option, I guess, is a suspension hybrid like an Ariel or Rove etc

 

[Pale Rider]

Another point to consider is toe clearance when steering.

Lots of bikes will foul your foot with the pedal horizontal, but there's even less room on a 29er.

 

[ScotiaLass]

The Ariel looks nice.
I guess comfort for me is the priority, with the ability to handle canal towpaths and light trails (so, loose gravel, some water and mud).
Would a hybrid cope with this do you think?

 

[Pale Rider]

The Ariel looks nice.
I guess comfort for me is the priority, with the ability to handle canal towpaths and light trails (so, loose gravel, some water and mud).
Would a hybrid cope with this do you think?

Yes, particularly one with wide-ish tyres.

I've 'nicked' this Cube from another thread, but it may do the job:

http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1282/a79025/touring-lady-black-grey-blue.html

 

[ScotiaLass]

Yes, particularly one with wide-ish tyres.

I've 'nicked' this Cube from another thread, but it may do the job:

http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1282/a79025/touring-lady-black-grey-blue.html

Yuck!!
Sorry, I prefer my bike to look more like a MTB...it's all I've ridden for <too many> years!

 

[vickster]

The Ariel looks nice.
I guess comfort for me is the priority, with the ability to handle canal towpaths and light trails (so, loose gravel, some water and mud).
Would a hybrid cope with this do you think?

Yes, they have fat tyres and front suspension, a nice upright position. Get one with disc brakes and you're sorted. Maybe not full on downhilling in a forest but certainly rougher environments

Just a shame it's black

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ariel-sport-disc-2014-womens-hybrid-bike-ec041317

Giant do something similar

http://www.shopgiant-bicycles.co.uk...gin=pla?kwd=&gclid=CIfj7fXXm7wCFfPItAodqm4APw

 

[ScotiaLass]

The Giant looks nice
I like the Ariel too but not in black (says she who currently rides a black/grey bike)

I think I'l take a trek through to Evans in Glasgow, have a look at them and get a better idea.
It won't be until next week now as hubby has just started his week on shift...
That'll give me time to make a list of what I want to look at but the hybrid is looking very appealing!

 

[vickster]

Evans don't sell Giant unfortunately

Dales cycles do though, as well as Specialized

http://www.dalescycles.com/ladies-specific-hybrid-bikes-b26

 

[ScotiaLass]

Evans don't sell Giant unfortunately

Dales cycles do though, as well as Specialized

http://www.dalescycles.com/ladies-specific-hybrid-bikes-b26

Better choice than my LBS who only stock 2 makes, but say they can order in anything else.
I'm not going to buy without seeing/trying the bike!