Originally Posted by
MRT2
If you are looking for cheap, get a used bike. Something like an old Trek, Cannondale, or Giant hybrid or multi track bike. Or Specialized, Bianchi, Fuji, Jamis, or Kona. Basically any bike that was sold at a bike shop. Or even a hard tail mountain bike. Something like a Trek 7xx, 8xx, or 9xx, for example. They key here is look for something quality but simple. No suspension fork, simple V brakes, solid wheels. Look for Cro Moly steel, or aluminum frame. 7 speed is OK. 8 speed is even better. A lot of those older hybrids had triple front chainrings, which is fine.
As the satisfied rider of a '95 Trek 730 Multitrack, I agree 100% with these suggestions. If one can find the right deal, this a great way to get a "not junk" bike that could serve well for the sort of riding the OP describes - without spending a lot of money.
Straightforward to work on. Keep it mostly stock, or make it your own by upgrading things according to your tastes.