I want to buy my sister a bike. She has a child with profound special needs and she is desparately in need of some joy. Which is obviously why I want to buy her a bike.

I could do the research but thought a better idea was to check here first for ideas and suggestions - I'd like to do this pretty soon. I could get her more bike if I bought used, but I want her to have a new bike if I can swing it.

I can afford around $400. She will want a bike that's upright riding position and not a tank. She lives in Austin so will need some gears for the "hill country" and will want something for road and trail.

I'm thinking commuter/hybrid style bike, with internal gearing if I can afford it for ease of use and lack of maintenance. My plan is to settle on the type of bike, buy it from a lbs in Austin and then have her go there for the sizing, fit, etc.

What bikes would you recommend? Thanks!