Both the Linus and Public are beautiful. Thanks, Knotted.

Her current bike is an 8 speed and a triple, and she loves having all those gears (and she needs them because the darn bike is about 35 pounds). She will ride it like a road bike, so more than around town and whatnot (she and I rode in Zion this spring and she kicked butt on the hybrid). I don't think 8 gears is enough for her, hence my suggestion that she have a bike built so she can choose how many gears and all that. I'm pretty sure the Soma dealer here also has a few Linus bikes. I will mention that to her as well.

Trek, you do know that I have a BJ in my stable, don't you? I don't ride it much, only when I'm feeling frisky enough to get home (I live on a big hill) with only 5 gears. I take it camping sometimes and use it to mosey around the campground.

Anyhoo, I want to make sure my friend gets something light and something that she will enjoy riding. It's nice to be the enabler!