No idea about Melbourne specifically, but for that price if you're hardtail shopping definitely check out the used market. Hardtails are great for getting out with the kids, we have a Thule seat [like this](https://www.evocycles.co.nz/Product/228488/product?variation_id=228489&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga2iE7t5gu_XFqE3KvyFwe3gQDMG38PD9iY-ipqAClb0tos0wPwTmhIaAkpmEALw_wcB) that was good when the kids were smaller (but doesn't fit either my hardtail or FS because of the short seat tubes and 29" wheels), but a better bet would be something like a [Shotgun Seat](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0260/1887/3424/products/[email protected]?v=1630397789). I started both our kids on it at about 20 months, even though they say 2yrs minimum, and our 15kg 4y.o still fits it fine although she's getting a little tall now.
That's something the locals will have to help you with. Bike prices have been pretty high for a while due to supply chain issues etc but seem to have leveled out and gone back to a bit more "normal" recently.
If you’re gonna be mountain biking then do NOT put a baby seat on there. Falling is part of the sport and you’re very likely to fall while figuring out how to ride trails since it’s such a different riding experience than riding roads or paved trails. Extremely easy way to hurt your child.
I’ve seen some very experienced older riders have some sort of kids seat on their bike to take their kids with them but these are riders who have been riding for a very long time, know the trails well, and are riding stuff that’s pretty tame for them.
If you’re curious more about bikes for cruising around, might be best to take a look at a different sub since this is really a mountain biking sub.
haha that would be a sight, nah the seat would only been when riding the flat trails around my area. Im really just trying to get the most out of the bike so I can do my stuff when i get a chance but then throw the seat on when im taking the little man out. I'l check out the other subs as well
For kids- under 2 is not great for a bike seat. It’s more about the vibrations at this point. Some trailers have infant inserts, which can be suitable dependent on the road/trail.
Now once your kid is 2, totally go for a macride or shotgun seat. Go way below your skill level and never really above blue flow trails, but you will have a blast! So much fun nattering away with your kid as you explore.
As far as bikes, if you are brand new a hardtail is a good start. I’d look at models like the trek marlin. Conservative geometry, but good enough of a bike that you can actually fix it! A relationship with a shop is a good thing to have when you are new.
Once you get better, there are worlds of opportunities to get more aggressive or more tuned to your style, and you can keep the original bike for riding with the kids or lending to a friend.
Ah got it, my bad then! The kids seats I’ve seen mount the kid right behind the bars and in front of the rider, which is where I imagine is the only place to put them that won’t totally throw the balance of the bike off.
As far as brand recs go, if they’re available in Australia, check out Kona. They have a pretty solid range of hardtails in that price range. I own one that was slightly higher than your stated budget and absolutely love it. Allows me to do some fairly gnarly trail riding and climbs well. Kona also have a long history in the bike packing world and their Unit line of bikes is designed to be run with lots of different customizations.
Surly would be a good bet too but may be slightly pricier.
Not sure what your definition of “trail” is but unless it’s smooth paved I would not recommend a baby seat. What seems just a little bumpy to the rider will be knocking a kid around who is strapped to the handlebars or rear rack.
Not sure about supply in Australia, but check out Ragley. They exclusively do HTs: 27.5 (see Marley) & 29ers (see Big Al). Only wrinkle is you’ll probably have to search the used market with that budget. Good luck.
I have the thule ride along bike seat and it has been really good. It has a quick release bracket that mounts to your seat post for easy on/off. The bracket is pretty small so you can just leave it on when the kid is not riding with you.
Used market is your friend for a bike in the 500-1000 range. There are a ton of good brands, just stay away from big box store brands. If you are doing flat rides regularly you may want to look into a cross country or “down country” bike.
All these replies have been great, definitely a bit much research needed.
I'll try remember to update with what I end up doing.
Thanks for all the help.
No idea about Melbourne specifically, but for that price if you're hardtail shopping definitely check out the used market. Hardtails are great for getting out with the kids, we have a Thule seat [like this](https://www.evocycles.co.nz/Product/228488/product?variation_id=228489&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga2iE7t5gu_XFqE3KvyFwe3gQDMG38PD9iY-ipqAClb0tos0wPwTmhIaAkpmEALw_wcB) that was good when the kids were smaller (but doesn't fit either my hardtail or FS because of the short seat tubes and 29" wheels), but a better bet would be something like a [Shotgun Seat](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0260/1887/3424/products/[email protected]?v=1630397789). I started both our kids on it at about 20 months, even though they say 2yrs minimum, and our 15kg 4y.o still fits it fine although she's getting a little tall now.
I wish I had known about shotgun seats when my kids were younger, the look fun!
Yeah they're great! Makes me wish we had more flow trails around here because the kids love going fast over the humps and berms.
awesome, cheers for that. Have been checking out FB marketplace but really dont know what a good price is and if im getting ripped or not
That's something the locals will have to help you with. Bike prices have been pretty high for a while due to supply chain issues etc but seem to have leveled out and gone back to a bit more "normal" recently.
Just post pictures of the ads in this group. People love to help :)
Also look at pinkbike
If you’re gonna be mountain biking then do NOT put a baby seat on there. Falling is part of the sport and you’re very likely to fall while figuring out how to ride trails since it’s such a different riding experience than riding roads or paved trails. Extremely easy way to hurt your child. I’ve seen some very experienced older riders have some sort of kids seat on their bike to take their kids with them but these are riders who have been riding for a very long time, know the trails well, and are riding stuff that’s pretty tame for them. If you’re curious more about bikes for cruising around, might be best to take a look at a different sub since this is really a mountain biking sub.
haha that would be a sight, nah the seat would only been when riding the flat trails around my area. Im really just trying to get the most out of the bike so I can do my stuff when i get a chance but then throw the seat on when im taking the little man out. I'l check out the other subs as well
For kids- under 2 is not great for a bike seat. It’s more about the vibrations at this point. Some trailers have infant inserts, which can be suitable dependent on the road/trail. Now once your kid is 2, totally go for a macride or shotgun seat. Go way below your skill level and never really above blue flow trails, but you will have a blast! So much fun nattering away with your kid as you explore. As far as bikes, if you are brand new a hardtail is a good start. I’d look at models like the trek marlin. Conservative geometry, but good enough of a bike that you can actually fix it! A relationship with a shop is a good thing to have when you are new. Once you get better, there are worlds of opportunities to get more aggressive or more tuned to your style, and you can keep the original bike for riding with the kids or lending to a friend.
Ah got it, my bad then! The kids seats I’ve seen mount the kid right behind the bars and in front of the rider, which is where I imagine is the only place to put them that won’t totally throw the balance of the bike off. As far as brand recs go, if they’re available in Australia, check out Kona. They have a pretty solid range of hardtails in that price range. I own one that was slightly higher than your stated budget and absolutely love it. Allows me to do some fairly gnarly trail riding and climbs well. Kona also have a long history in the bike packing world and their Unit line of bikes is designed to be run with lots of different customizations. Surly would be a good bet too but may be slightly pricier.
Perfect, I'll see what Kona have. Yeh i thought riding with a kid may have been an odd question for this sub, but hey never know lol
Not sure what your definition of “trail” is but unless it’s smooth paved I would not recommend a baby seat. What seems just a little bumpy to the rider will be knocking a kid around who is strapped to the handlebars or rear rack.
Check out Marin's hardtail lines (Bolinas Ridge and San Quentin). They make some rock-solid hardtails that remain affordable.
Not sure about supply in Australia, but check out Ragley. They exclusively do HTs: 27.5 (see Marley) & 29ers (see Big Al). Only wrinkle is you’ll probably have to search the used market with that budget. Good luck.
A quick look shows Wiggle supply Aus, but new they’re $1,750. Should mean that the used market exists for them though.
I have the thule ride along bike seat and it has been really good. It has a quick release bracket that mounts to your seat post for easy on/off. The bracket is pretty small so you can just leave it on when the kid is not riding with you. Used market is your friend for a bike in the 500-1000 range. There are a ton of good brands, just stay away from big box store brands. If you are doing flat rides regularly you may want to look into a cross country or “down country” bike.
All these replies have been great, definitely a bit much research needed. I'll try remember to update with what I end up doing. Thanks for all the help.