Folks that often ask what bike to buy, simply haven't biked enough at all, and should start with anything, really.
Even a BSO can be a helpful gateway to a better bike. Folks might find them heavy, sluggish, inaccurate shifting, wrong geometry, the rider has to have done enough cycling on that one BSO to be aware of all these issues.
At this point, they sorta know if they want something for road, commuting, comfort cruiser, upright, as they are all different bikes.
Now they are ready for a real bike from a LBS that will so their routine to find the right bike for the buyer.
I may as well ask BF members here what I should look for in a dating profile for a wife. I'd be outright trolling folks about who I should marry.
