My bike was $550 at REI and I'm very pleased with it. I wouldn't win any road races or be able to ride it up/down mountain trails but I wouldn't want to either. Mine is for commuting by bus/bike and pleasure riding for fun on paved or dirt roads/bike trails. He wouldn't be able to get a Brompton or a Mezzo for that price but Tern and Dahon make good bikes in the $600 range. If I didn't get my Tern I was going to get the Dahon Speed D7 for $550. Montague makes a folding mountain bike for $799 if he wants something for commuting and trail riding.