I only know and have experience with Our Community Bikes. They had an hourly charge, depending on the service. Before I had my own bike mechanics stand and tools, I often rented a work area and tools to repair my rides. The cost was reasonable and the profit went to help those in need in Nicaragua (if memory serves me well). Our Community Bikes
http://www.pedalpower.org/?q=our_community_bikes
So far as the kind and style of rides down here, it is a mixed bag. I'm riding a high end hybrid, carbon fiber forked, 29" wheel, etc, hybrid and see many similar rides. I also see many folk commuting on road bikes. I also see a lot of mountain bikes with slicks. I also see some cruisers in the downtown area. There are, of course, plenty of people trying to get by with out right junk, but by and large I see way nicer rides in Vancouver compared to cities such as Toronto or Montreal. Though the summer is busier, folks ride all year round.
There are plenty of hard core riders. I mountain bike as well (cross country) and I am not unique in using a bicycle to commute and a mountain bike for recreation. Many of my younger friends commute by road bike during the week and have a downhill mountain bike for their weekends.
There are many good commercial bike shops all around the lower mainland. One shop I have had a good experience with is Mighty Riders, which is close to Our Community Bikes.
http://www.mightyriders.ca. Mountain Equipment Coop is also a good bet -
http://www.mec.ca/Main/home.jsp