I want a bicycle !

[cheeseandcoleslaw]

Can any recommend ? I'd love one of those vintage styles with a basket, does anyone have something like that ?
The idea is to get one of those trailers for the kids and get some exercise !

I hope you dont mean you're cycling on the pavement

Why not get a step through e bike, yes they are very heavy but the battery compensates for this, you have a sit up and beg position, thats what I have. I cant be leaning over handlebars

Christiana bikes are safer and better for transporting kids but expensive. Buy second hand if you can.

The kids sit in front where you can see them
www.christianiabikes.com/en/

If the kids are a bit older, longtail bikes are also a good option.

And if there are hills on your route, you can get an electric assist version of either to make it easier to pedal.

I'm with you OP, I love riding Dutch bikes and it's my dream to live somewhere flat and get one.
I'd go to a really posh huge bike shop and try loads.

I'm in The Family cycling group on Facebook.
Mostly people have cargo bikes, but they are also very knowledgeable about kids seats and trailers and tag alongs etc.
You'll get a lot more positivity in the responses there.

How old are the kids? The trailers tap out about 4/5 depending on age. You might find for the price of a trailer and new bike you can get a Dutch style cargo bike or a long tail of Facebook market place.

But do join the Facebook group. They will be very helpful.

The responses here are a bit bonkers. We used a trailer for our kids all the time, we also have a low back tandem. If money’s no object get a bakfiets.

Look for a Dutch bike or a hybrid, and if you’re going to do a lot of child carrying, consider an e-bike for ease. Join your local cycling campaign and maybe do some bikeability training?

I see a PP has recommended a Liv bike. I love mine - it’s women’s Giant road bike. Not suitable for towing kids but I’ve ridden 100s of miles in the 10 years I’ve had it.

Hey op, I used a bike trailer to get to school/nursery/on to work and the reverse when my DC were little (5-6 and 2-3) and it was HEAVY. Even on flat-ish routes.

Plus without proper cycle lanes you will have to go on the road, there is simply too much clutter on UK pavements for a wide boke trailer to navigate - street signs, bins, cars on the path, pedestrians (not to mention you should be riding on the road anyway, not the path). I needed a trailer as my ex had sold my car, but it was really quite scary to use, not comfortable for the kids and cumbersome. They type of bike was irrelevant really.

How old are your dc? Will they be riding independently soon? That's the time to get your lovely bike with a basket (and fancy panniers for all the kid crap), when they can ride with you! (I have a vintage steel Dutch bike that is older than me and I LOVE it!)

I ride a Liv Alight 3 and she is the steed of my heart ❤️

I would recommend a cargo bike, Christiania style, over a trailer any day, I think.

I Meant residential streets, and yes I will use a pavement/cycle paths if I can ! I've never cycled on the road and don't tend to start with my kids in tow. Of course any pedestrians/obstacles and I will shift into the road temporarily.
The kids are 2 and 1 so too young to bike with me.
I like the look of those bikes with the big boxes on the front but they're also huge ! I don't see how they're any easier to handle than a bike and trailer.
Also the bikes I've been looking at are hybrids. Not just pretty, but that's a bonus !

You can tow kids on the pavement.

Please don't cycle on the pavement 🙄

I got one years ago, in my mind I was going to look like a extra on mid summer murders instead I ended up looking like someone tried to murder me 🤣.they can be heavy , not many gears so even the smallest of incline is hard.

Get a proper comfy bike with suspension that's like riding in air and effortless so you can ride for miles

Specialized bikes are great

If you can't cycle on the roads then don't get a bike and trailer and cycle on the pavements. Ffs. As a cyclist it pisses me off when other cyclists think they can take over the pavement. If it's not a shared use path then stay off it and cycle on the road. If you can't do that don't cycle, walk.

As someone who cycles regularly with kids... don't be a twat and cycle on the pavement. You give credence to all the cycle haters out there.

I'm not a cyclist and won't be going on the roads, I'd be a hazard to the others! I will stick to quiet residential streets and cycle paths around here.
Thanks everyone for your input, much to consider.

Pendleton hybrid with basket but not sure if it can handle a trailer

I did see that one and love the look of it.
I think I've settled on a Dawes!

I don't mind the workout, I push a double buggy loaded up with the kids and shopping etc so I'm used to heaviness

I used a Ridgeback Avenida for that purpose for several years. Aluminium frame so lighter than it looks. Low step through so easy to get on and off. I had the hub gear version. Highly recommend that for town cycling with a heavy load as you can change gear when stationary so if you need to stop suddenly you can actually start again. Only fairly short journeys on quiet roads including nursery run.

If I was buying now I would seriously consider a pedal assisted bike as getting started is hard as mentioned above.

Maybe get some practice without the kids first to build up your leg muscles!

Those silly little seats on the backs of bikes are mad, I get really judgey about those.

You need a cargo bike with the trailer or front "carriage" to be safe.

OP, I was going to suggest that Halfords does a vintage type bike by Victoria Pendleton but see you've already looked at that.

Agreed, I have a Specialized hybrid and it's great.