Hi Cirsten! I'm new to the site too but just thought I would weigh in with a different opinion. I've been riding a pashley princess sonnet bliss for the past couple of years
and don't consider myself a serious cyclist.
I've just bought myself what for me will be a "useable" bike and I say that because I want to warn you, don't under estimate how heavy these bikes are. They are awkward to manouver when your walking beside the bike pushing it. And because of the way the front wheel up to the wide handle bars is set up, this makes the front part of the bike like a massive unruly lever when your on the ground. Its so awkward. Plus, impossible to push easily without both hands. Does that make sense?
With a 7 year old learning to ride i can only speculate your going to inevitably have moments where you might need to juggle a small boy and two bikes. With my current bike i know i couldn't manage that. I didnt realise how much harder in terms of physical effort it is to ride a heavy bike like this it is until i got on a different type.
Dont get me wrong, I LOVE my pashley because on sunny days I do just want to cruise along in a skirt and i dont care at what speed. It gets lots of notice for its style and design but I have had to come to be honest with myself and admit for commuting or practicality its a nightmare.. I'm keeping my pashley but i've had to buy another bike.
I would encourage you as a beginner to keep an open mind about a bike that's not dutch style. Remember when your son gets going hes going to quickly leave you behind on a heavy bike and you'll be struggling to keep up!
Enjoy whatever you decide.
