Gary S:
More returns are coming in from the outlying precincts.
I've been traveling for the past 10 days . . . SFO-->HNL-->IAD-->SFO . . . and have been delayed getting word back from the bike guru in the family. He says (after probably 40 years of near-daily riding . . . everything, everywhere) . . .
QUOTE
Don't worry about taking advice from the internet.
Find a good bike store.
Now the question becomes how to find a good bike store.
There's no simple rule.
Here are some clues:
• Has high priced bikes in addition to ordinary ones.
• Has a variety of brands.
• The help is helpful, e.g. no high pressure salesmanship, statements aren't jargon laden.
• Will fit your body type to the bicycle.
That's the advice I'd rely on. This is one of those instances you really want some skilled, on-scene assistance, in a brick-and-mortar environment, IMHO. Particular bells and whistles can be added later, when he has amassed some real experience.