Originally Posted by
europa
Realistically mate, whatever they buy now will be unsuitable in a year's time. IF they keep riding, they'll get fitter, stronger, discover interests that may not appeal now. Few people can accurately predict how they're going to use something new and not a lot of experienced cyclists get it right either. Richard
Keeping that in mind, take them to a bike shop to look for used bikes. Many shops, even some small ones, will have some used bikes available for less than $400 that will make great starter bikes of better quality than Wally World bikes, and save them some cash.