Hi all, total newbie here.
I'm not sure where I should be posting this, as this place is cavernous - feel free to direct me to where my post will be most suitable and best answered, if this shouldn't be here.
Anyhoo, I'm basically a lardass who hasn't cycled for 12 years (I'm 28 now) and have recently decided to change my lifestyle and sort meself out. I've been playing footy (soccer to you non-brits on here), tennis and done a little running, but they're all playing hell with my knees seeing as I'm a pretty heavy chap at the moment. Hence the newfound interest in cycling - easier on the knees, great exercise, scenic, and I can improve incrementally too.
I dearly need advice on what type of bike to buy (used to have a Carrera mountain bike when younger, 18-speed, toe-clips etc., but can't remember its frame size), where to get it from, and whether or not the damn thing won't collapse from under me!! I'm 5'11'', 20 stone (14 1/2 when I was thin - big bones 😉 ) with 29'' inner leg length, if that's of any consequence...
I mainly plan to start cycling on quiet country lanes in the main, flattish to start with, but don't want to buy a road bike only to decide that I want to begin offroad stuff when I get better - there's some nice hilly country around here, and I can't really afford two bikes.
Ideally I'd not want to spend more than £250 on the bike itself, then accessories taking the price up to £300. I read in a previous thread that Halfords should be avoided at all costs - is that the general opinion? If so, where else should I buy from?
Much appreciated if you could help me - jibe away if this comes across as pathetically naive or whatever, or if you just hate tubbies! But constructive answers would make me a happy chappy! Thanks in advance.