Bike reccomendations please

[blindswelledrat]

I have devoloped an unnatural urge to start going on family cycle rides.
The two kids are at the age they will need to sit in child seats but I need to know what kind of bike to buy.
Are mountain bikes the most practical option?

Ideally I'd like to buy second hand so if there are any links on ebay you think are a bargain please advise.
Budget somewhere between £300 and £600 for me an preferably about £75 for my wifes bike

Thanks in advance

Edited by blindswelledrat on Tuesday 12th June 09:22

[69.9mph]

Buy a hybrid or "city" bike. It will be fine for the sort of unmetalled but smoothish surfaces you'll encounter on family rides, and allow you to pedal more easily/go faster than an MTB on tarmac. An MTB will have thick knobbly tyres which you probably dont need, and at the lower end of your price range (which is sensible by the way for your intended use) if it has suspension it will probably be a waste of time and weight. If the cycling bug takes hold, you won't mind migrating to something fancier and more use specific in the fullness of time - i.e. a full on lightweight road bike or MTB, but a £500 hybrid will last you ages and give you a good start. IMHO of course.

[gbbird]

In terms of make, i'd look at the lower end of the range specialized - i got one of these when i decided to give cycling a try, and i haven't looked back since

[Gazzab]

If ferrying kids around is your need then just get a HAlfords own brand. Avoid knobbly tyres and suspension, dont even worry about disc brakes. Just get one that has good quality frame, gears and v brakes. £400 should do it.

[Black5]

Gazzab said:

If ferrying kids around is your need then just get a HAlfords own brand. Avoid knobbly tyres and suspension, dont even worry about disc brakes. Just get one that has good quality frame, gears and v brakes. £400 should do it.

Ditto

Halfords (etc) bikes may not be particularly suitable for XC & DH MTB, but they are excellent value for occasional cycle trail and road use.

Unless you are going to use it every day and/or give it some abuse, why spend a lot on something you don't need?