I posted a while back about getting a bike but the thread didn't really gain any traction. I'm going to ask again as my circumstances have changed slightly and try and explain what I need.
Since my last post, I have lost just short of 2 stone in the past 6 weeks. I still have a long way to go, but I am much happier and have been walking a lot lately, something which I hated doing just 6 weeks ago.
I am now serious about getting a bike, and I am going to get one through the cycle to work scheme. I have to buy one through Evans, but they have some pretty good bikes, so I need some assistance in choosing one. I have done a lot of reading, and will soon visit the store and speak to someone, but I would like some non-biased opinions before I speak to someone who may earn commission trying to sell me the wrong bike.
I would like a mountain bike, I know they aren't the best for roads, but living in Brighton there's lots of nice off road areas around I will be riding on. I am thinking a hardtail is the best choice for me, but mainly due to cost. I have a budget of around £500 and full suspension bikes in this price range are likely to be rubbish. I think the most important factor I want to consider for the bike is weight, I would prefer a light bike, but with less weight I don't want lower strength. I am still very overweight, despite losing 2 stone, so I need a bike that can handle that!
Next, I would like some advise on clothing/accessories. Clothing, I only need advise on some knee length shorts (I'm guessing anything will do) but maybe something padded underneath for comfort whilst riding. A helmet, lights, a lock, mudguards, repair kit and a water bottle? I'm guessing the differences with these are minimal so I can pick what I want? But any preference for manufacturers?
Lastly, I want something to see my speed, distance, route etc. I was looking at bike computers and to get everything I would like, I need to spend like £400 on a GPS computer! Might as well use my phone... but what app? Is there anything that will measure my wheel speed and relay that to an app on my Android phone? Or should I just rely on GPS on my phone to track speed, distance and route?
Thanks for any input you can give!