Help me find a bike...

It's for my girlfriend's birthday. She measured her inside leg at 29.5". She's a student so it's mostly for getting around and also for the odd leisurely bike ride. We haven't got a huge budget at all and were hoping for something around £200 (which I know isn't a lot). Wondering what sort of bike to consider. I was recommended a road bike but I worry it might be a bit too sporty and uncomfortable for her, whereas I think she's quite up for a hybrid. Not sure what the advantages of a hybrid would be over a mountain bike/ATB though...

We're UK-based so I'm wondering if anyone here has any inside info on decent cheap new or secondhand bikes for ladies? Anything I should avoid like the plague? It's a long-shot, I know...

To be honest, dog (if I may call you that), £200 is such a small budget that you're probably better off looking for something second hand. Is your girlfriend experienced at cycling or new to it? If the latter, then you should probably get a hybrid, not a road bike, especially as it's mostly going to be used for getting around town. Advantages of a hybrid compared to MTB = more suitable for riding on roads.

Thanks NBS. Yeah, I know it's really not a lot of dough for a bike. Appreciate the help though.