I just became a Dad three weeks ago. I'm starting to look at a few things differently. I even am starting to feel a little embarrassed at my over consumeristic bike collection. I guess I need to cut down the fleet.

That got me thinking, what is the ultimate Dad bike?

It's got to be minimal tinkering, reasonable cost and used for (Commuting > Trailer towing > XC > Real Mountains)

Any thoughts?

Hub gears, cable disc, hardtail…

ultimate Dad bike?

3 weeks in I'd be looking to wait a bit, tbh.

The inital rush of love and tiredness wil fade in time (well, the tiredness, anyway) and you'll be back coveting shiney stuff…

Very true!

Thats some chain. From the look of the poor girl, I think her dad has let out an air biscuit.