Originally Posted by
fietsbob
there are entry level bikes in bike shops in the US at about $400.. and service after the sale ,
fully assembled and tuned to ride.
(And in a size she can ride, and test before buying, I suspect you don't know much about bike fitting)
+1, proper fit is very important; a poorly-fitted bike is a sure way to turn off a prospective rider. Also, a bike bought online will doubtless require assembly, which must be done properly if the bike is to be safely ridden; if you need to have a shop do this much of your savings from buying online disappears. As it will if you need to buy tires and/or a wheelset.
Shops may also have nice used bikes that they have taken on trade-ins. Finally there are good bikes to be had on places like Craigslist, if you know what you are looking for.