That could be a good choice. The V brakes allow for a wider tire and riding on varied terrain. I ride my cross bike as a bad weather and back up road bike and it works fine. I just take the wider knobby cross tires off and exchange them with road tires and I'm good to go. The cross bike will have him sitting up a little higher than a traditional road bike which is a little more comfortable.

I hope your buddy will try out several of the bikes suggested. Most LBS's will allow a test ride.