Know I'm late but just in case...I bike in north Nanaimo area all year round and must admit it can be hard for newbies because of the hills...I ride Dumont, Biggs, Jiggle pot a lot and love it...Real good LBS in Nanaimo. Oak Bay is the newest, with really enthusiastic owners, Cory and Sean...Arrowsmith Bikes is excellent, Basion is quiet but very knowledgable and Pacific Rim is great...all these are in the north end and each sell different brands so depends on what you like...If your friends like off road there are miles of trials up Dumont but I would suggest trying the paved trails along the freeway. They go thru the bush and woods and are great for intro riding.....