Originally Posted by
Korina
Don't discount vintage steel mountain bikes as a base for a killer build. The 26" wheels are sturdier to handle your weight and the trailer, they can take big tires for a cushy ride, and you can build it up any way you like; grocery getter, commuter, bike packer, street tourer, gravel rider, or some combination of any or all of them. They're very versatile, and not that expensive.
+10 or 20.
At the OPs stage of riding and needs..look for a good condition 21 to 23 inch older rigid(no suspension fork) mountain bike. You'll be in for around $350 or less. Put some nice street tires on it(Schwalbe Big Apples, Big Bens, or Marathon Supremes(not the plus version)) and go have fun. If you're not sure what bike to look at/buy..post here(or in the General Discussion or Mountain bike forums) and folks will give you a hand in finding the right bike. Where to you live? A city is sufficient..
A two-minute search example:
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/r...399371539.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/r...395408194.html
https://brainerd.craigslist.org/bik/...399207859.html
https://stcloud.craigslist.org/bik/d...390812615.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...393250373.html
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/b...391473454.html
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/b...398451232.html
https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/...392552745.html
Next one very nice, higher end, but overpriced by $200+
https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/b...399223861.html
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/b...395372221.html
https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/b...398244123.html
https://carbondale.craigslist.org/bi...396956374.html
...