Originally Posted by sayn3ver

I know that it depends and that anything could really work.

I suppose as someone who has never toured and has never run errands on a bike that I was more wondering from those with experience where a good starting point is.

for me I am looking for something

1) cheap
2) not flashy
3) comfortable

my carbon road bike is for workouts and fast.

I am looking for something to do the 1/2-2 mile ride, that just works and I won't be upset if it gets stolen.

I don't need fast.

I want proper gearing. I'd rather spin then lug.

im unsure if a trailer or racks would be better. My son is three and I'm unsure how large or small kids can be to ride in those trailers. But that seems like a dual purpose bonus of a used trailer.

I could see using racks or bags most of the time vs a trailer for food since my wife would still be doing our base shopping via car once a week.

but we often run out of things or prefer to pickup some things the day of and we have a super market in town that's too far to walk (time wise for making this a true life style change).

I just wasn't sure if the majority have found certain styles to be a better starter setup, or if certain styles Don't function with accessories like racks and fenders.

I am a male fwiw around 6'1 so I'm not sure if that makes a difference for recommendations or not.