Front/Rear Suspension (GEBE) tips:
I just finished a ladies build, a used 21 speed Eddie Bauer (new $150???). Grey/Black, slight signs of rust.
UNCOMFORTABLE straight handlebars, the yoke extended it over the front tire.
The Suns and Treks that I buy run about $300-425, because they have MOST of what I like in a bike, curved handlebars, 21 speeds, 2.25 tires, shock absorber seat posts, 12" Cloud Nine saddles, rear stay clearances.
(But they still need the upgrades, $50 12g. wheel, $10 tubes, $12 mirror, etc.)
I had an extra 3 adj. setting yoke from an Avalon carcass, that fixed the too far forward feeling.
Black curved handlebars, new, are $20, installed by my bikeshop guy, $40. (Because you need slightly longer gear/brake cabling *4 cables X $5 each, INSTALLED).
Another quirk on the cheap bikes are fishy/ribbed hand grips, NOT comfortable for long distancing.
New Treks and Suns have a nice gelled grip. OR black foam like on my red cruiser, Rocinante is cheap. A long black tube of foam, $5 for enough to do 8 grips.
Anyway, you can make a super comfortable bike by substituting curved handlebars, and a wide saddle.
If you want to TRIPLE the comfort factor, add a shock absorber seat post ($18), and your *** will thank you.
Because of the front suspension, front basket legs are a separate matter. On the Eddie Bauer I added a medium deep "hang off the handlbars" wicker basket, (from the bike shop, not the p.o.junk WalMart type).