Originally Posted by
Bunnicula
I disagree that these are her "only options". She has many options if she buys used.
A couple of brands you may find new in your price range: GT, Marin, Felt. Comfort bikes can be had new in the $500 range, as can some lower end hybrids. But a used bike may be less attractive to would-be thieves.
The used option is included in option #1, so you really don't disagree.
However, I would strongly object to the OP spending too much over $250 for a bicycle that has a greater likelihood of being stolen than being ridden by its rightful owner...