looking at bikes...help....

[Ryan_V]

My wife and I are in the market for new mountain bikes. nothing special. I'm going to get a tag-a-long bike to put on mine for my 5 year old, and we have a trailer for the baby. any suggestions on base level bikes, with a reasonable price tag?? I've looked at the Trek 820 for myself as well as a couple schwinns. what should I look for/stay away from etc.?? what size frame do I need for myself... 5'10" or so?? any other suggestions on brands? these will be used casually, no hardcore riding, mostly gravel road by our house and then we'll bring them camping with us too. again, we're not looking to take a loan out for these bikes, but don't want to buy junk either.

thanks for the help!!

[Eckie]

RyanV~

I'll be interested to hear what others have to say on this subject. I'm in the market for a bike as well. My kids are 2 and 1 month, but I'd like to put a toddler seat on it to take my son for rides, camping, etc or get a trailer as you have for my daughter. Seems like a great way to spend some family time together enjoying warm spring evenings.

Good post!

[LoneRanger]

Hey, Ryan V, I would recomend a hybrid bike instead of a mountain bike because they will allow you to sit more upright and they have less agressive tires. Everybody makes them and they aren't too spendy. Personally, I am not a Trek guy because they cost more than other brands, but they do make a good bike. Also, a really nice feature is trigger shifting because it seems to be so much easier than grip (twist) shifting.

Just check out a local bike shop or Erik's bike shop chain and check with fit. Its all about fitting your body and being comfortable while you ride.

Good luck and let us all know what you go with!

PS - I like your signature.

[Ryan_V]

Went out today and pulled the trigger on TWO new bikes, one for me and one for the wife. We ended up getting 2 '07 TREK 3700's. went from the 820 to the 3700. the only difference is the frame on the 3700 is aluminum instead of steel. only about a couple pounds different, but came highly suggested by everyone I spoke with. I liked the trigger gear changing and the brakes. these won't be used hardcore, but were hoping to get into biking with the kids in the near future. my bike will be attached to a new tag-a-long bike for my 5 year old, and the wife will be attached to the baby trailer with hers. got them at a bike shop that gave a 2 year warranty, 2 free tune ups, and lifetime adjustment of the brakes and gears!!! drove a while to get them, but the customer service was awesome, and that will get my business every time!!!

[Surface Tension]

I had a tag along and didn't like it. Top heavy and any shift in weight form the passenger would upset the balance.

I pretty much bought a bike with training wheels and kept my riding short and in safe areas till my daughter could handle a bike. That didn't take long either. At 5 years old your child will learn fast and develop some leg strength at the same time.

[Ryan_V]

I hear ya, we tried it, not as easy as I thought, but not a big deal. with living in the country having her on her "princess bike" with training wheels isn't an option if we want to get out there!! this should help her learn how to ride on 2 wheels also!!