My take on a bike for a new rider is to look for versatility. A versatile bike will do many things well including trips around town for shopping etc. Such a bike will get used frequently. Part of versatility is the capacity to take wider tires up to 28mm or more and even a rear rack. If the bike can mount fenders this will contribute to year round use. And of course, no amount of versatility, as said in earlier posts, over rides fit.