She missed a few key points... that big box store bike, though new, is likely to be unfixable or rather expensive to fix if broken - many of those bikes have really cheap one piece stamped crank sets and other obstacles to maintenance. They also weigh a ton (Costco's commuter weighs 40! lbs) and come in a very, very limited range of sizes - usually 2. That is why they are cheap.....

And about not being able to afford a $400 bike.....There are those who can't afford a car, but so many people, even poor ones do have one. .... hmmmm if you give up your car.... no gas, no maintenance, no insurance.....