Beginner bike

ILW

Most the manufacturers will have sizing info on their websites.
I am 6ft tall and a 19" Kona fits me fine, could probably go to a 20" though.

Personally I would also avoid suspension forks unless you are going for serious off roading.

vikingaero

As others have said you do need to try bikes.

Decathlon is a good place to try them because you can ride indoors.

There was a thread on HotUKDeals for a £69 Trax bike from Halfords that I had to build myself. On that thread people recommended the £109 Decathlon Rockrider was far superior. I like Decathlon bikes and bought a folding bike for Mrs V.

But for £69 the Trax is brilliant for a pootling bike and to ride on the seafront with the kids. In comparison I have an alumnium Gary Fisher that cost £1,500 that weighs far less but I don't have to worry about weight, type of shifter, the make of gearsets and the 10 grams one weighs less and most of all I don't really worry about the Trax being stolen.

catoutthebag

I would avoid suspension fork, but those without seem to be in the minority on my search (trek 850, though?!)

I think if I was buying new, and spending close to my initial amount, I would head to a shop. Plus, even between brands, there seems to be a variance, so unless targeting a specific model, I don't think there's much point.

Wish I could put up links to the above, but don't want one being nabbed :rotfl:

Heading down south to my current location, with the above bikes being in the vicinity, so really need to target one to buy. Couple are buy nows at well under £100, so I feel I can't lose much