Confused beginner help me!

Hi there hope someone can advise me, I've a budget of up to £400 for my first bike having not ridden since childhood now in early fifties
been to my local bike shop found it a bit overwhelming they recommended a bike which was around £500 - I had gone in asking if they could order me a Dawes Duchess or Raleigh Cameo both around £360. I'm planning gentle rides around my local area maybe once or twice a week I am not that confident about gears but live in East Sussex and we have hills! Got the impression neither bike I like are 'good' and I need to be spending at least another £100. I'd love a Pashley but don't want to spend that much.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Lola

Any suggestions gratefully received.
Lola
0
Posts
If you decide to spend a bit more get something a bit more modern (and lighter) it will help on the hills.
Marin Nail Trail
Cotic Solaris
Sticking around your original budget of £360, limiting it to step-through frames and non-sale bikes so you know it'll be available in your size I'd be looking at something like Veronese said or this Claud Butler:
https://www.evanscycles.com/claud-butle ... e-EV294636
You mainly want to be looking for something with an aluminium frame, rigid fork and, if possible, QR wheels.
If you could give some kid of idea about what you want to do on the bike, if you need a step-through frame, height so we can look at sizes and, crucially, if you are buying from a particular shop or happy to buy online, then we could probably give better suggestions.
If you still want to continue and know what suits you most then go for a £1K bike that should last you for a while without upgrades.
I was about to say something similar. You shouldn't have Pashley and hills in the same sentence. If you're planning to cycle on the roads around / over the South Downs the best thing for the job is a road bike.
There are some decent bargains to be had at the moment as retailers clear last years models, eg:
https://www.rutlandcycling.com/323873/p ... black.aspx
The base models of Giant Defy are also a cheap way into cycling, as would be a second hand purchase. The important thing is to make sure you buy a bike that fits you properly and which you're comfortable riding.
I too returned to road cycling at the ripe old age of 50 and following knee surgery. That was nearly 10 years ago and I'm fitter and lighter than I was then, and the bike I bought is still going strong.
Halfords. Bike will be stored in garage on a rack so weight is a factor in that respect.
Unless you're considering riding in enormous crinoline skirts and a bustle, I'd consider a conventional frame - you will find much more choice!
That's a great shout. A lot of bike for £350. Just a matter of making sure it fits?
No 51's left and I think a 54 might be a tad on the large side.
As Keef also said, Giant Defy is a decent starter bike and those can be had reasonably cheaply, although on all Sale bikes you need to check that they have the correct size for you.