Which bike help?

[BigBlue]

I'm a newbie looking for my first bike in almost 20 years, to basically get fit. I think I need a hybrid bike, but I'll give my background first...

I recently moved to a little town near the coast, its very hilly, we're talking very long and often steep hills, and I'm also near a coastline walkway (where bikes are allowed). So I'm looking for one bike which will allow me to ride country roads, and around small towns, but at the same time I want to ride on the little off road coastline dirt track walkways.

I'm not looking to go fast, or style it out. I'm looking for one bike which will allow me to get around in reasonable comfort. I'm 6'1 and pushing 18st (not seen scales in a while). With a small budget of £300. I don't mind it the bike is new or secondhand.

Having spent time looking around, the best options I've come up with are the Carrera Subway 1 or Btwin Rockrider 520 ?

Also, I will probably need to change the tyres - any suggestions on which tyres to buy for on and off road riding?

 

[vickster]

How rough are the off road bits?

On hills, it's best to avoid anything that adds weight, ie suspension on cheaper bikes

Both bikes will be quite heavy to begin witb

 

[BigBlue]

Off road is not very rough, bit of gravel, bit of dirt. Its basically a walking path - so not rocky, just lots of rolling hills.

I was initially looking at road bikes to keep weight down, but not sure any (in price range) would be ok to ride on off road bits.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Evans Cycles Pinnacle Lithium range is absolutely worth your while looking at, too. You might feel the extra £50 for the Lithium 2 worthwhile (or see if they have an ex-dem model anywhere, perhaps)

 

[Kajjal]

The problem you have is mountain bikes come with knobbly tires which while good off road are slower on road and really drag on the road going up hill. If you are just pottling about and not trying to go too fast they will be fine. The Rockrider 540 is a better bike for the money with hydraulic brakes etc.

If you are confident you can get bikes that retailed at over £600 second hand within your budget.