Basically, I want to start riding with my daughter (16 months) this spring and although I have looked through similar threads in the forum, I will ask my question separately since it really combines a few that were already asked.

Background - I have owned a Mongoose MTN Bike in college. Before that I was a "freestyle" rider and then BMX biker (amateur). I had my GT Pro World Tour, SE Quad-Angle, and a Hutch Trickstar. My bike skills are rooted in those 15 year old skills if any.

Looking for an easy, fun, good looking bike, and instantly thought of all the cruisers I used to see when I lived in LA at the beach. That laid backed biking style is what I thought I would be doing with my daughter. After a bit of research ( and before I came across this site) I stumbled upon Electra and saw the Townie 24 and thought it was the perfect bike (I think it looks bad-a$$).

So - Question

What is better trailer or rear mounted bike seat and why?
And how would the Townie fit in with either of these? Any reason I should discount it? Safety concerns..

Basically, the townie is a reasonably price bike that still has a bit of a cool factor to me. For some reason my background (GT, SE, HUTCH) still makes me a bit of a bike snob and I can't bear buying a half-a$$ mountain bike or anything. Any alternative suggestions are certainly welcome - and thanks alot for your time.

Doc