Originally Posted by
prj71
Ugh...Heavy pogo stick fork, cable brakes, lowest level (cheap) Shimano components etc.
OP is looking for a $500 bike to pull a child trailer and do some occasional, recreational trail riding. He is not looking for a $1,000 trail rig.
Let's not try to convince him that it's not worth riding a bike and spending time with his family unless he doubles his budget.