Reply to Best Bike for Katy Trail

Hardcore Cyclists
Best Bike: any aggressive geometry bike (frame flimsy; <12 lbs)
Min Cost: $5000
Max Cost: $11,000
Unacceptable Bikes: any bike without drop bars at least 6 inches lower than saddle or with frame >12 lbs

Semi-hardcore Cyclist, >50 yr old
Best Bike: steel frame (touring, gravel, adventure, bike-packing)
Min Cost: $1000
Max Cost: $2500
Unacceptable Bikes: aluminum frame (mountain, trail, road, comfort

Novice (millennial or younger; not riding more than 5 miles)
Best Bike: any; has to look good (get a helmet, you’re going down)
Min Cost: rent; you’re only doing this to impress your new “special friend”
Max Cost: N/A
Unacceptable Bikes: cruiser (doesn’t look right)

Beginner (older millennial or old; not riding very far or often)
Best Bike: comfort; lifestyle; step-through, ‘flat foot’ (get trendy color)
Min Cost: $350
Max Cost: $850
Unacceptable Bikes: drop bar; tiny saddle

College Student
Best Bike: used
Min Cost: $50
Max Cost: $450 (if you get money from the folks)
Unacceptable Bikes: anything that looks good enough to steal when you get drunk and leave it locked up somewhere downtown with a flimsy little cable

Rich
Best Bike: titanium or carbon frame; looks good
Min Cost: $11,000
Max Cost: none
Unacceptable Bikes: anything <$11,000

Hopelessly Out of Shape; Environmentally Aware
Best Bike: electric
Min Cost: $1400
Max Cost: $17,500 (you’re replacing your car, after all)
Unacceptable Bikes: any non-electric

This is the perfect guide for Katy Trail bike selection. I think all the bases are covered. My personal favorite is your advice to students.