Bike Trailer

Question
I have three children, ages 3 1/2, 2 1/2, and 9 months.  Recently (over the last 6 months), I have lost over 80 pounds.  I have not done any formal exercise yet (although I run after my children like crazy!).  Instead of joining a gym, I was thinking about getting a bike and trailer and riding at a great local park here on Long Island, NY.  So here are my problems.  I NEED a trailer for 3 children, which I have been unable to find on the Internet.  I need a recommendation on a good bike as I have not rode one in many years and I don't know where to being looking.  Right now I weigh 215 pounds, so I still have a bit of weight to lose, and need a bike that will support both my weight and the weight of the trailer/kids.  Do you know of anything that fits the bill?  I would really appreciate your help.  Also, do you know about how much this will cost?  Thanks!  

Answer
Tanya,

Really most bikes will work, however, mountain bike frames are built more ruggedly and can better withstand the stresses of pulling a child trailer.  Most importantly, a mountain bike has more durable and powerful brakes that are capable of stopping the increased weight of kids in the back.

So here is a suggestion: If the 9-month-old is capable of riding on the back of a bike in a well-armored attached child seat, then you can have a child seat installed on a mountain bike and attach a low-mount (on one of the "chain stays") trailer such as a Burley, for the other two children.  If you are going to do a lot of road or asphalt path riding, then you can improve your ride and traction by getting some "slicks" (basically wide, knob-less mountain bike tires) mounted on the mountain bike.

In terms of cost, you can get a solid Specialized, Felt, Jamis, Trek entry level mountain bike (front suspension, not full suspension because you have to be able to mount the trailer) for something like $450 or less.  I myself bought a Specialized Rockhopper for a similar purpose for about $370 three years ago.  You should be able to get a used Burley trailer (on eBay) for about $200 and an excellent bike child seat for $50 to $100.

A few tips:  When you take that combo out remember that the bike is top-heavy and heavier in general.  The bike will want to fall over when you come to a stop and stopping will require a much firmer squeeze of the brakes.  As I was reminded when I tipped my trailer over one time on the sidewalk, always strap the kids in with the whole trailer harness system and have them wear helmets.  A good trailer like a Burley will have a roll cage built into the design, but helmets are still necessary to prevent injury.

I hope this hits the high points.  Feel free to ask further questions if I missed what you wanted to know.

Graeme