Good bike for neighborhod rides?

[cdlamis]

I need a bike for me for weekly rides around the neighborhood (suburban)- I will also be pulling a trailer with both kids. All trails will be paved and mostly flat. I was thinking of getting a basic mountain bike but my BIL who is an avid biker suggests a cruiser instead. I haven't owned a cruiser since Junior High! He said that it would be easier to ride and less wobbly.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Daniella
Mom to Julia 6/02
and Bella 12/04
"http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif"

[Jen841]

I 4-5 yrs ago got a Trek 'girl' mountain bike and love it!

[bubbaray]

I suggest either a comfort bike or a hybrid. Either are more comfortable than a mtn bike. Go to a bike specialty store and definitely tell them you need to be able to tow a trailer (not all bikes are configured for it).

HTH

Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

DD#2: 01/2007

[BeachBum]

I have a hybrid bike and love it!

Absolutely go to a bike store for help and to purchase. I am not a "biker" and I've seen first hand that a bike isn't a bike. Quality makes such a difference.

[hudsonam]

I have a Raleigh Comfort bike, like this - http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=6&itemid=362

but I bought mine about 10 years ago. I love it. Very comfortable to ride. I actually bought a men's bike, because the salesman convinced me that it would have better resale value since a woman will ride a men's bike, but a man won't ride a women's bike. Very true, but I doubt I'll be selling it any time soon. :) But before my DH got his own bike, he would take mine out. I like that it has curved handle bars instead of the straight ones that mountain bikes have, because it's easier on your back.

[shilo]

ditto that. a true cruiser may be too much weight for you to be pedaling around in addition to the trailer. they are stable, but big to, and the bigger the tires, the more rolling resistance. also, a true mtn bike may have more gizmo's and gadgets, that will add weight, that you won't need/use with the riding you're describing (ie shocks, knobby tires). a hybrid or a 'comfort' bike sound ideal for your description. i love my treks, but there are plenty of other great brands out there. people say good things about 'giant' bikes in the midrange, specialized and trek would be higher end brands just to give you some examples, but like i said, there are plenty of other good ones out there.

hth, lori
Sam 5/19/05 How lucky I am that you chose me.

[cdlamis]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I will definitely look for a comfort bike.
Can't wait!

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6/02
and Bella 12/04
"http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif"