Originally Posted by
jefnvk
You still haven't described what you think is the "right" bike for the average non-cyclist. I still maintain it is something along the lines of a hybrid or rigid MTB with slicks, which is more or less what the "average" person is on.
Back in the 1960s when I was growing up the default purchase by a non-cyclist was probably something along the lines of a three-speed or a five-speed with fenders and an upright seating position. Today I would probably advocate for the same sort of bike but with wider tires for suitability on gravel roads and rail trails.