I just got a road bike and spent hours in the shop getting it fit. in addition to my road bike I have a hybrid and I am pushing my husband to get a hybrid so that the family can go on rides (2 six year olds on bikes and a 3 year old in the burley). So far he has only visited one shop, but I did not let him buy the first bike he rode and I told him he needs to visit other stores and try other bikes.

I have two main questions:

1. the guy at the shop (sells mainly kids bikes and low to mid-range adult bikes - cruisers, hybrids - with a price point of $300-$600) talked about using the saddle rails to adjust comfort and reach. I was told when buying my road bike that the fore/aft positioning of the saddle should not be used to adjust reach, rather it is set to create a proper knee angle and that is it. I am trying to give the guy at the local store the benefit of the doubt - maybe when you don't have clipless pedals, or even toe clips, the positioning of the saddle is less important. Please let me know.

2. dh is a big guy. he needs to lose quite a bit of weight, although he is a big guy even when he is in better shape. the same guy as above recommended disc brakes. his rational is that if dh is bumping the bike around a lot there it is less of a problem if the wheel goes out of perfectly true. I know nothing about disc brakes and have no idea if they are better suited to a heavier rider, for the reason given or for any other reason.

Thanks in advance for your input. I am trying to both get dh exercising more and find a way to get the family out exercising together.