Need Bicycle Advice

Hi everyone! My husband has been bugging me for the last two years to get some bicycles. My biggest hold up is that I don't know what kind to get... and I'm scared to spend the money without having much knowledge of the subject. We're not really in a position to spend a ton of money on them - especially not knowing how often we will be riding. I'd just like something to get us through a few years of moderate use. If this is something we're really going to commit to then we can upgrade as the need arises. So, these are the things I'm looking to purchase:
His/Hers Mountain Bikes
Something to attach to the car (05 Dodge Magnum) for transporting
Child Seat (We have a child trailer already)
A nice comfy seat!

I'd really appreciate any and all advice or feedback of favorite products or even ones to avoid!!!

I'm curious to read others' input, I'm in the market for a bike myself.

One of my favorite blogger just today made the perfect post to answer your question.
She started, brand new and fresh, and has been blogging about it for about two years.
Today she wrote a recap of her first bike and what it meant to be a beginner.
(I'm thinking you don't want a mountain bike. why drive a lifted 4x4 to drive
to the park. Think: honda accord of bicycles.)

http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2011/02/pashley-princess-retrospective-from.html

It is really a lovely blog, she has great pictures. Some of her earliest posts she
is asking (and answering) some of the same questions you have. Good luck.

Watch garage sales, police auctions, etc and you can get a good bike for really cheap. Another reason I say this is because I am really hard on bikes, so I don't feel bad about breaking a $20 bike. As far as seats are concerned, you can always get a bigger / comfier seat at Wal-mart for less than $20. As for the type of bike, it depends on where you plan to ride:

1. if it is road, cement bike trails, only on nice days, out to ride for the sake of riding etc.- look for a road bike. These have the skinny tires and are light.
2. if it is more dirt trails, - mountain bike with wider / nobby tires, usually a sturdier construction, but are also heavier
3. leisure ride, take in the scenery - hybrid bike

I would say go into a bicycle shop and ask them about different bikes and they would probably let you try them out (at least sit on them). As far as kids seats are concerned, I believe you can get one for any bike, though I'm sure the kid would be more comfortable in the trailer.

My favorite kind of bike is the 27" road bike because it is fast, light, and very efficient where as a mountain bike makes you work a lot harder, but that is just me.

I was in the exact same situation about a year ago. I bought a roadmaster from walmart.. cheap bike after waranty only spent around 100. I've gone mountain biking on some tough trails, and also use it to ride up and down the road. I bought it to see if i would use it enough, and still havent gotten the money up to buy a super nice bike. I've had one problem when the gear shifter came out of place on a trail and got it fixed for $15. Definitely worth it if you're just starting out. Not the most comfortable seat in the world, but a $9 seat cover fixes it perfectly. Cant beat that deal for starting out.

my advice is to buy a good quality brand. i have a trek hybrid, kinda like a mountain bike but with road bike tires. easier to pedal and a lot lighter in weight. i also got rigid frame with a shock absorber in the seat post, a nice option. but the most important aspect is go to a reputable bike shop and get fitted for the bike, frame size is a huge factor in comfort. i got fitted for this bike and found that for years i was riding a bike too big for me, hard on the shoulders,arms wrists and back from being hunched over too much. proper fit also makes you much more efficient when peddaling.....good luck

I just started seriously riding last year so I bought my first mountain bike. It's a Kona and I love it. I bought it on sale from a very reputable bike shop. I then went to Canadian Tire and bought a gel seat cover. It really depends on what you plan on using the bike for. A bike shop will help you out. Most of the people who work there are avid bikers. Even if you don't buy one there, go get educated. The stock boy at Walmart might not be useful. Get your info (size of frame, style, etc) then go shop around. Even looking on Craigslist or kijji will help keep the cost down. Good luck! Biking is an awesome hobby!