how do i know a bike is a good bike?

Your considerations should be to determine what you REALLY need out of the bike, then go from there. If you want a bike to do long (20 mile +) rides for fun or exercise, you would probably want to go with an entry level road bike which can cost 600 bucks and up. They are more expensive because the gears are harder to manufacture, but they are faster and lighter than other bikes.

If you just need something to get you to work and back, get a "commuter" bike, which will be a bike that is more like a mountain bike set up as far as an upright frame, gears, and handle bars, but a light frame and tires like a road bike. The usually go for 200 bucks and above. Commuter bikes are cheaper because they are easier to manufacture, but they are great bikes for the money.

And lastly, when you decide which style bike you want, try them out. Every store will let you test ride, and the sales associates at most bike store are usually really knowledgeable because they are bike freaks.

The good thing is that most all bikes (excluding Wal Mart type bikes) are a great value because of trickle-down technology (think falling prices on TVs and such). You really can't go wrong, just get something that meets your needs and price range.

the best bet to get a bike that will be reliable for transportation is to go to a bike shop. big boxes like walmart, dick's, target, etc... will not know how to put you on the right size, the bike will be poorly assembled, and you will have to purchase a warranty. bike shop bikes start at around $225 for an adult sized mountain bike, are assembled by proffessionals, and have a warrany included in the price. this is not an unreasonable price to pay, and a bike shop will be able to put you on a bike that will fit you and satisfy your needs, and will be able to help you if you have any problems with your purchase. many folks who try to save money by buying something cheap find that they end up paying a bike shop to get it to work properly, and even then it will not ride as nicely as a bike from a bike shop.

Good bikes do not have kickstands. Good bikes have quick release wheels instead of nuts.

Here are great bikes at unbeatable prices.....

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/comfort_bikes....

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No offense to jp, but walmart bikes are piece of crap. She wants a good bike.

i would buy a road bike, but theyre expensive. whatever bike you get, make sure it has gears. check this Mongoose mountain bike with 18 gears out.... http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_...