Of late, talking to acquaintences and friends, I have found a rash of interested people thinking of taking up cycling..This one from an old friend in Michigan, who I recently visited... I am not sure how to steer someone towards the correct type of bike...
My question posed here...Has anyone seen a web site that poses questions to get one to think about the qualities one looks for in their cycling..Questions geared to make you think about what you might enjoy when on the bike..I can think of "Bicycling's", 'find a bike' web site. Does not really probe your aptitudes and interests in cycling. If there is not such a site there should be.
Enclosed is some of her questions about cycling.What would you tell her.

I used to love to ride a bicycle. I bought a 10-speed in 1986, the year they went out of style. I didn't like riding it as much as I liked my previous 3-speed, because I just ride for fun. But I gave away my 10-speed to a neighbor kid a few years ago, because I wasn't using it. I tried riding with the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, but found it too strenuous. I'm thinking of getting another bike. What kind would you recommend for me? I would like something not too complicated, nor too popular, so no one will want to steal it. Also, not too expensive.

XXXXX

What promted her email to me. I recently sent her the article posted hereat Bike Forums,"Bicycle Crashes in Perspective." Guess sent it to her,because some of my old close friends share concerns about cycle safety...She is a very dear friend..want my advice to her to be well thought out and steer where she wants to go.
Of course my advice would be to get really strong and buy a touring bike capable of circling the planet.

You might want to point her to some of the recent threads regarding new cyclists searching for bikes. Two excellent ongoing threads include, this one involves a 16 year old girl who was searching for a roadbike so she can get more involved with the sport and this one involves a guy in Ann Arbor searching for a new bike to replace his current commuter.

Thanks..Hhuron..Just the type of information I wanted to share with her...You all were very helpful to that newbie.

If you are looking for bike suggestiong, then a 3-speed lover should find the Breezer city bikes to be the thing. Modern hub gear systems have 7 speeds, so riding is even easier.

cz, Don't know when your friend rode with AABTS, but we are trying to change. We currently have a lot of road rides for A-C riders, but didn't have any rides for beginner riders. Both the Ann Arbor group and the far east group-Plymouth are adding rides for beginner riders. In fact I am a ride leader for the Monday evening ride out of Plymouth. Last week I had a new rider on a mountain bike. We rode for about 10 miles at about 12-13 miles per hour. Anyway, would love to have her join us for a ride. I have a fellow who works with me, so if new riders are in different speed ranges, we can cater to their needs. I have a Trek 7500FX she can borrow to see if she likes it. PM me, you owe me one to tell me about your visit here to Michigan.