My Giant Escape 2. Daily commuter & touring rig.
I live in NYC as well, and after having several expensive road bikes stolen, I bought my first hybrid, the Giant Escape 2 in 2013 and haven’t looked back. It’s fast, comfy & bang for the buck, the best bike I have ever owned. I use it as my daily commuter as well as for touring. I have nothing against people paying over $1,000 for a hybrid commuter if they want. It’s all good. But for the last 6 years my $500 Giant Escape has been great.