Okay, so I just recently got back on two wheels. With a Walmart roadmaster mtb.

And, after trying to pull it apart today, I realized, it's time for a real bike. I couldn't even get the front sprockets off. I think they used seize on parts instead of anti seize.

Anywho. I'm five six, go about 160, and my daily commute is probably around forty miles. I also have to transport my four year old half of it. I currently do it with a seat that mounts on the back of the bike, but I don't really like it. Although, I don't "hate" it as it does what it's supposed to. I'm very soon going to try a trailer stroller thing.

So, the first three miles of my ride, and last, is off-road ish. The rest, city streets/sidewalks.

I need help selecting a bike for under 800 bucks. Not something that's super high tech, I just want a good solid bike. I was thinking about a hybrid, but again, that's why I'm here is to ask people that know.

I'm really interested in Trek ds series. Thinking strongly on the 8.3, possibly .4
Thanks in advance!

The 8.3 should suit your needs quite well. You've obviously chosen it for a reasons--robust enough to handle some trail/off road and with front shocks. You can easily put fenders on that. And it's well within your price range.

I must say, 20 miles one way is a fair amount of distance to travel daily if you're just started, and carrying a load is going t slow you down even more.

Yea, it's still long ways. And having my son on the back of the bike makes things way hard. Pair that with this piece of garbage bike I have, and it's time to drop some money on a bike. Sure be nice if I could find a local used ds, but no such luck.

Is the price increase from the .3 to the .4 worth it? Are hydraulic brakes that much better than mechanical? I think it's got a few more gears too, but I'm wondering if those two things are worth the extra money, or if I can just do them later for a reasonable price?

First pick your favorite Bike Shop ... My Local sells Trek, they are quality bikes.

You should look into a cross type road bike. Capable of using larger tires for the off road traveling and often accommodate fenders. The cross bike I have also holds a rear rack for panniers. My commute round trip is 33 miles and I did it a couple of times with a back pack but a nice set of panniers with a rear rack it what you need. On the weekends I pull my 5 and 4 year old kids around in the trailer we have that you also spoke of wanting to do. For the price range you are looking at you might have to get a used bike or one of the last years models still for sale from a LBS. I was able to find a Fuji Cross used for under the price range your in. The drop type bars are nice for the longer rides but also comfortable for cruising around with the family. Hope this helps your decision making.

I actually just got a 2014 trek 8.3 ds today for 640 with tire liners installed in it. I already love it.

-cough-recallofamillionbikes-cough-

- Andy

Think of the recall as a way to bring people back to show the ignorant how to use a quick release skewer, obviously some people are clueless ..

Lever goes on the opposite side from the Disc , people !