Sister is looking to get a bike (yay!)...

[Jolt]

I was just talking to my younger sister who is in college, and she mentioned that she was thinking she would like to get a bike since gas prices are so bad and she is trying to keep her driving to a minimum. Now, she really doesn't know much about bikes...we all grew up riding Walmart type bikes which are OK when you're a kid but I want her to get something decent quality this time around :-). She is pretty much looking for something to do errands on and ride around town for fun sometimes. I did tell her to check Craigslist (and have been looking at my area's Craigslist for her...lots of older Trek non-suspension MTBs for good prices and now I am tempted to add one to MY stable to have something for the dirt rail trail etc!!). I also said she should make sure it's something she can put a rack on for carrying things and that touring bikes are good for that, but not sure if she'd freak out about the drop bars. What other advice should I give her?

[Owlie]

It can be harder to get a bike with disc brakes to accommodate a rack, especially with on a small frame, but it can be done (according to one of the mechanics at work, anyway). What about a hybrid?

[Melalvai]

If she's in college and planning to use it for short trips, she wants something pretty cheap (used) because it might get stolen, even with a good U lock. A rack will make it a lot easier to get around and carry or pick up stuff. For short trips, it doesn't have to be very comfortable, you don't really have time to get uncomfortable. If she wants to also go mountain biking or longer road rides, a nicer more comfortable bike stored inside is good, but never park it on campus or on the porch in student housing neighborhoods.

[TigerMom]

I was just talking to my younger sister who is in college, and she mentioned that she was thinking she would like to get a bike since gas prices are so bad and she is trying to keep her driving to a minimum. Now, she really doesn't know much about bikes...we all grew up riding Walmart type bikes which are OK when you're a kid but I want her to get something decent quality this time around :-). She is pretty much looking for something to do errands on and ride around town for fun sometimes. I did tell her to check Craigslist (and have been looking at my area's Craigslist for her...lots of older Trek non-suspension MTBs for good prices and now I am tempted to add one to MY stable to have something for the dirt rail trail etc!!). I also said she should make sure it's something she can put a rack on for carrying things and that touring bikes are good for that, but not sure if she'd freak out about the drop bars. What other advice should I give her?

Well I just bought a MTB from eBAY, I am about to sell my 2011 Specialized Ariel Sport hybrid which already has a rack on the back along with an upgraded front derailleur, suspension post for comfort, and the Serfas Rx saddle, and a bottle holder. Are you by any chance in the Rowland Heights, CA area so that your sister can take a look?
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[Jolt]

Well I just bought a MTB from eBAY, I am about to sell my 2011 Specialized Ariel Sport hybrid which already has a rack on the back along with an upgraded front derailleur, suspension post for comfort, and the Serfas Rx saddle, and a bottle holder. Are you by any chance in the Rowland Heights, CA area so that your sister can take a look?
___________________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

Nope, I'm in Maine and she's in New York so that's a bit of a haul. Thanks for the thought though!