Bike Selection for a new rider

[RoadRaven]

My mother is about ten years older but sounds very similar to your friend.

A confort/hybrid/city bike sounds like the deal... thats what mum got.

It is very upright - she has back problems and that combined with heavy bosom would do her shoulders neck and back in if she had to lean forward at all.

She also has a step-through frame - I suggest this style of frame for your friend's bike too.

Also the gearing - make sure it has the style (most city bikes/hybrids seem to) where you can see the number of the gear you are in. My mother would probably ride in one gear all the time otherwise (she does mostly anyways, as it is all flat at around 16-20kph).

Do watch the seat though... too low and she will be uncomfortable - although as Melavai suggests, a little bit lower than usual may feel more secure for her.

Also, I would suggest you consider what label you use for her bike. My mum likes her hybrid - because she sometimes rides beside the beach (on the cycle path) but she feels like she is off-roading.

My friend at work also has a hybrid and got most offended when our triathelete boss called it a comfort bike. It doesn't matter how many times I say/explain that "comfort" is a normal and usual way for these bikes to be described - I think she still takes it as a personal insult...