Recreational & Family - Trek Soho okay for my needs?

I test drove a Trek Soho 08 model at the LBS and I loved it.

I am looking for a bike that I can use for fitness, recreational riding, local grocery store rides, and most importantly, riding with my 2 yr. old daughter. Now, with my criteria laid out I was wondering if you guys would recommend the Soho as the bike that will satisfy my needs. Will this bike be able to haul a trailer or toddler seat in the back? Perhaps, I need to look into a heavier framed bike like the 7.2fx?

Please help.

A trailer for a child is usually 2 wheeled. This is more stable, and places less load on the bike. Almost any bike can handle a 2 wheeled trailer. A child trailer also handles grocery shopping quite well. This would be my choice if I had small children.

A toddler seat in the back places most of the load on the rear wheel, and it places the load fairly high. This can result in a "twitchy" feel, and on a bike with short chainstays, it can result in squirrely handling. You don't need a heavy frame since that won't improve the handling... you want long chainstays so the load is between the axles. This is the configuration where the bike matters most.

A front seat will pretty much always have the weight in between the axles. There will be some impact on handling, but it should work decently on many bikes.

I have ridden with my daughter on a seat at the back. It affected the handling but I soon got used to it. Mounting and dismounting had to be done by swinging my foot forward over the frame, while putting one hand on the back of the child seat. If you can find the $, I think a trailer would be a lot easier. If there are other family members who will ride with you, get additional attachment hardware so the railer can be switched between bikes.

I have a 08 Soho 1.0 (now the Valencia) and I couldn't be happier. I changed out the hideous handlebars and stem it came with for a RaceFace stem and some Mary Bars, threw on a Jandd rack and I use it for everything from grocery shopping to rec riding. It's well built, components are adequate for what's it's designed for (that is, everyday city riding), and I think it will suit your needs quite well.

I plan on buying/building a trailer soon to haul around "general stuff" and a 80lbs Golden Retriever. While some people will tell you that disc brakes are overkill, I've been spoiled by them on my Santa Cruz Heckler and can't imagine messing around with V-brakes anymore.

I'm not sure the 7.2 is a heavier frame because it's more for fitness and commuting while the Soho is designed more for commuting but can be used for fitness... Either way, If you're looking to pull around extra weight (aka kids in a trailer) you'll appreciate the disc brakes.

Also, if it's an 08, you should be able to get a screaming deal on it...

Best of luck... Happy New Year

I've never ridden a SOHO, but it looks perfect for your needs just reading the specs.

We have owned several trailers, but never a bike seat. I like the idea of the weight off the bike, and low to the ground. However, millions of people have used on bike child seats, and I've never heard of terrible problems. If we can't talk you into trying a trailer, I believe the SOHO would handle the seat as well as a heavier bike, and you'll still love the choice in a couple years when the extra seat comes off.