I had a beautiful green Cannondale comfort bike that got me back into cycling. I was rehabbing my back, so she was perfect. As I got into better shape, I wanted something I could ride more aggressively. My lower back started complaining about doing hills on a completely upright bike. I got my Kona Dew and felt increasingly bad about leaving the C'dale in the garage all the time. A good friend of ours was frustrated about the used mountain bike her hubby got her at a yard sale. It didn't fit her and she didn't enjoy it. I ended up selling my beloved bike to her. She loves it and I get the double joy of seeing her ride in the evenings with her hubby (a big grin on her face) and knowing it went to a good home. Now I'm ready to graduate from the hybrid Dew to a road bike. For now, the Dew will continue to be the commuter since I can't put a rack and fenders on my roadie. We ride more, and our bodies change. Pass on your beloved first bike to someone else who needs to discover the joy of riding. Your mom sounds like the perfect candidate.
Deb