Well; talk to your biking buddies and let your Facebook friends know you are looking for a great intro bike for mostly trail riding but also around town with the kids; you will be surprised to find out that a co-workers uncle has a 2012 Trek xyz sitting in his garage that he hasn't ridden in 4 years because of ABC medical issue and will sell it to you cheap. Buy that bike; find out what you really want/need and then buy a $2500 bike in 12-18 months that fits your needs to a T.