First Bike Help

[BeardlessBear]

Hello all!

 

I have recently decided to get into biking and am trying to decide what type of bike, what brand, etc.. that I should purchase. My budget is around $500, but willing to spend a little extra if there's something that blows me away.

 

I have a lot of gravel roads as well as streets and bike paths near me. I was looking at more of a hybrid bike but don't know enough to decide on my own.

 

I have test ridden a Giant Escape 2 and a Cannondale Quick 6. They seem fairly comparable from what I could tell, but I'm no expert.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Eugene]

Hybrid? Do they still make hybrids? If so, we don't get them here in South Africa anymore. I see your budget is in Dollars. Where are you from?

 

From your description, you probably need a gravel bike. Kinda like a hybrid, but faster and more capable.

 

Gravel bikes are gaining popularity here in SA.