Recreational & Family - Newbie Question

Hi, I am a mom of 3 young children who would love to start doing some simple flat trail (rail to trail type) rides with the family. I don't have much biking experience, and really don't want to spend $$ on a bike, at least not right away. I found this bike posted on craigslist and was wondering if anyone would be able to give me any advice on if it would be a good starter bike. I know my best bet would be to go to a local store, but as a SAHM I'm not looking to spend quite that much initially. Thanks! Here's the link. (Oh, I am 5'5" average torso and leg length) http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/spo/3141745130.html

Looks excellent. Check everything works, like brakes, and no buckled wheels. It looks perfect for you. You'll need lights and a safety vest I would think. The fat tires will be ideal for rougher places but it's not a mountain bike.

Thanks! This may be a really dumb question, but I would be able to put a bike trailer for the little ones behind this, correct? Thanks again so much!

The vast majority of trailers only hold two children at a time. I never heard of a trailer that held three. There are some very interesting "kid trains" in the picture thread at the top of the page. Something like that might be OK if one of your children is big enough to "ride" one of those trailer bikes. Keep in mind, the trailer bike and trailer will each cost, used on craigslist, about double what hat bike will cost you unless you can find a fantastic deal.

Adjust the height of the seat so that your leg is just slightly bent when you are on the seat and have the crank arms (i.e., the things the pedals screw into) exactly in line with the seat tube (part of the frame the seat post goes in). This is the correct seat height. If when that is done, you can have your foot flat on the ground while seated, then the bike is the right size. If you adjust the seat properly and can't comfortably reach the ground when stopped, the bike is too big for you.