Originally Posted by chipcom
She might want to check out the Electra Townies or Amsterdams.
http://www.electrabike.com/06_new/flash_index.html
Nothing wrong with shopping new and taking some test rides even if you want to buy used...you'll have a better idea of what to look for and you get to go shopping!
+1 with both pieces of advice. I do think 3 speed hubs are really great for low-maintenance "Mom bikes", especially if
you are the one who gets to do the maintenance on it. Electra sells those. They also make a 7 speed derailleur and single speeds. If she's got health issues, the crank-forward design can be really helpful, even if only for the psychological value of being able to put one's feet on the ground with ease. Then again, if you were able to get an older bomb-proof Schwinn, she might like that, and it wouldn't be as expensive.
Definitely take her shopping. Let her try out a single speed, a 3 speed hub, and a derailleur and see which one she likes best. No sense in getting her something that will simply collect dust in the garage. Regarding saddles - if there's a way you can delicately explain to her that she needs a saddle that will fully support her sit bones but also that one that is too squishy will be uncomfortable for her soft tissue "down there", you might both feel uncomfortable, but she'll be comfortable on her bike in the long run.
