For what you want at that budget, get on gumtree and get a second hand one, bikes are a lot stronger than people give them credit for and finding a knackered one will be rare and probably easy to fix if it is. Go to a bike place first though and find the right size frame ie, the one that suits your size, there used to be a good bike shop your way (if you live in the wigan area) at Charnock Richard.
Iv you're not precious, you'll get a 2nd hand bike for £125 that brand new equivalent will be about 4-5 hundred.

Colour and size maybe not what you're looking for but something like this www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/kona- ... /107362325

Colour and size maybe not what you're looking for but something like this www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/kona- ... /107362325

If he wants to just get fitter, why go for a bike that uses less effort?

Because he'll enjoy it more and it won't be back on Gumtree the following week ?

No pain, no gain

I'm in agreement with Jerry on this one. I bought a cheap mountain bike and used to dread going out on it, the tyres were so thick I felt like I was pedalling like mad and getting nowhere, it was also difficult choosing the right gear to be in when on the road.

I then got a Carerra Subway from Halfords under the cycle to work scheme, it's the best thing I've ever bought. I had good Customer Service, every question was answered fully and all the accessories I asked for (Stand, lights, and cycle rack) were all fitted properly. I even got a free 12 month service plan.

It rides like a dream and I can do 15-20 miles which is an achievement for someone like me who never used to take any exercise.

Above all I ENJOY going out on it.

OP If you can stretch your budget a little I would look at the Carerra, one thing I learnt from reading online reviews is to stay away from the Halfords budget range "Apollo"

thanks for all the advice, Not yet had chance to go into any shops but just come across this on the internet rlhttp://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID

looks like a decent deal?

Think I might go for it then , I'm 5 ft 8 so I'm thinking an 18 inch frame?

Go off your inside leg rather than height, my step father is 3inch taller than me yet has a 2inch smaller inside leg measurement