Bicycle recommendations?

Buy a gently used hybrid or 'fitness' bike from a major brand (Trek, specialized - in other words bike store brands, NOT department store brands) with a steel or aluminum frame.

I too have been researching buying a bike and have found that you just cant get a quality (comfortable) bike for less than $400.00 I know that seems like a lot of money but the ones they sell in the non-bike stores are of very cheep quality and are not comfortable at all which in the end is going to discourage you from riding. My suggestion is start saving to buy a good bike and then find a bike shop near you. they will do the proper measurements so that the bike you purchase will be right for you.
Good luck!

I looked online found something I liked based on recommendations... then I searched on ebay and purchased a 2nd hand bike for £30.

Can I just say that I forgot how hard cycling actually can be, and i'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things with my bike!!

My sister had a Trek street bike that ran about $400 and it was so nice. If you can find a used one in your price range I recommend that.

I have a Trek Navigator that I love. It was more than your budget, but a similar hybrid bike would be a great option for versatility. I replaced the seat with the Bontrager Boulevard seat. It's very comfy for a larger bum.

to get a good bike, with the necessary accessories, you will be spending closer to $400, especially new.

i'd recommend going to a local bike shop, just to get sized up and make sure that you know what is the right sized bike for you. then you can go to target/walmart/sports authority and get your bike at a cheaper price, and just buy all the accessories at the bike shop.

the main advantage of buying at a local bike shop is the maintenance and warranty. at a LBS they will be able to more quickly help you with a repair or an exchange, while at a bib box store, you have to go through hoops to get a repair or exchange done.

i got my bike tuned at my LBS for $70, and they just replaced the broken axle for free.

My parents just got me this bike for my birthday a month or so ago : http://spoke-n-sport.com/product/giant-womens-sedona-st-131312-1.htm

I am seriously addicted to it. I take every opportunity to ride it possible (even the 30 second ride to class across a parking lot). A friend and I even entered the Tour de Cure for Diabetes in July. (We're doing the 25 mile race and I'm super excited)

The seat is pretty large and seriously comfortable and the handle bars are higher than the seat so you don't have to hunch forward when you ride. It has a water bottle cage on the handle bars instead of on the lower frame so it's easier to access. It is absolutely perfect (except for the fact that it isn't purple!) It sounds like what you are looking for, though a little out of your price ranger, but totally worth every penny.

In my town we have some bike shops that will sell used bikes, so check your local bike shop if they know if a shop that will seel used bikes.

Hybrid is the place to start for what you are looking for. Make sure you do with a good brand like Trek or Cannondale. They have great warrenties on their bikes, if they get damanaged.

Definitely good suggestions here.

I definitely recommend a hybrid. I've been outdoor biking for two years now, and I bought my first bike at a yard sale. I "outgrew" it rather fast, and upgraded to a Schwinn hybrid I bought from Target. I made sure it had top notch components (e.g., shimano derailer) so it doesn't fall apart on me. I can bike ~30 miles in one ride with no problem. I live near a trail that is mixed between paved areas and screened gravel and it is perfect for that. I am just now ready to invest in and upgrade to a road bike (e.g., Trek or Novara). By the way, I HIGHLY recommend you get connected to your local REI. They have all types of "biking 101" classes that are free and open to the public. Even if you use the bike for basic commuting or exercise, there are still things you need to know.