Hi,

I haven't ridden in years and have taken up a cycletowork offer at work.  There is so much choice these days that I don't know where to start

I would like a bike for riding around forest tracks at the weekend but also one I can ride around East London roads and to the station in the mornings.  As I often wear long skirts I would like one I can step through.  Being only 5ft I feel that I need to be looking at a 14" frame.  My brother has advised front suspension for a more comfortable ride even on roads but in the stores they have suggested that it may not be a good idea so I am very confused.

I've tried a few cycle shops but stock has been limited for the kind of bike I would like.  Having done some searchs on the web I've come up with the Specialized Expedition Elite or the Giant Sedona DX w.

Can anybody help me?  Do you have any views on the bikes I am considering?  Do you have any advice on other bikes that may be suitable?  Is my brother correct in advising front suspension?  I am planning to spend up to around £400.

Thanks in advance,

Jenn 

I've just found another bike on the web that looks like what I want.  The Trek Navigator 3.0 equipped wsd.  Does anyone have any opinions on this one also?

 Thanks

Jenn

I went for the Trek Navigator 3.0 in the end.  It is everything I wanted as a return to cycling bike.  It is a very comfortable smooth to ride.  The shock absorbers are fantastic and I barely notice any bumps.  Although it is probably not a bike for those who are fit enough to speed along I find that I make a good pace without any effort and I prefer the upright position.

It is even more special to me because it was a bike that had everything I wanted with a frame that suits my height of 5ft.  I thought I would have to compromise on something.

Hi Jenn, glad you found a bike that suits.  You often have to compromise when you want a bike to suit different riding, ie to the station and also to get out on the trails, but it seems you have picked the right one for you. Welcome back to cycling!

I've just bought a new bike for commuting, a Trek 7.2fx (great blue colour with girly, swirly decals). No suspension but I too love the upright position, great for seeing traffic, although there's not much on the routes I go. Even better, when I get off it it doesn't take ages for my back to straighten up unlike the previous commuter I had. It's a bit heavier than my previous one, certainly not as fast, but I love the wider tyres which means I can nip through the woods on my way home without worrying about the terrain.