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I’d also look at gravel bikes. They tend to be more aggressive and fun than many of the hybrids. A lot of the gravel bikes are similar to cyclocross bikes without meeting the specifications you’d need to race CX. They can be extremely versatile, especially with a tire swap. With slicks, they can act like an endurance road bike, with some wide knobbies they can take on chunky gravel, beat up fire roads, and flow trails like parts of Crabtree. If I only had one bike, I think I’d go this route.
I’d also look at gravel bikes. They tend to be more aggressive and fun than many of the hybrids. A lot of the gravel bikes are similar to cyclocross bikes without meeting the specifications you’d need to race CX. They can be extremely versatile, especially with a tire swap. With slicks, they can act like an endurance road bike, with some wide knobbies they can take on chunky gravel, beat up fire roads, and flow trails like parts of Crabtree. If I only had one bike, I think I’d go this route.
Those are cool, I agree. But, expect to drop at least 2K for a decent gravel bike. They are still a niche category bikes.
Echo the "buy used" sentiment. The downside of that is that you don't get free service, so either you have to pay for repairs and updates, or learn to do them yourself. Most are not that difficult, and any specialty tools are cheaper than paying someone to do it (and then you have the tool). REI probably still offers basic repair courses too (free I think).
Another option: Check out BikesDirect. You have to do your research, but you can have some really good deals. I know several serious riders who buy a bike from them, just to get the parts (Drivetrain, wheels, brakes, etc.) to put on a different bike, because it's cheaper than buying at retail prices. Bikesdirect.com
Also mentioned, check the classified ads on Trianglemtb.com (go to their forums, register, and you can respond to ads)
Craigslist, NextDoor, Facebook Market (be careful for scams).
To ride light trails (Greenways, ATT, and a few mild dirt singletracks), you can get a hybrid, or even a Cyclocross Bike with larger tires (also mentioned earlier).
I've got a few older bikes I never sold, but they probably need as much in repairs as you want to spend. Great bikes, but (honestly) I would not buy them, which is why I never sold them. (For those who have been riding for years, I have an onlder Intense 5.5 EVO that only needs a replaced fork, rear suspension bushings (Less than $20), and a tune-up. It was a top shelf, $5k+ bike about 12 years ago.)
Echo the "buy used" sentiment. The downside of that is that you don't get free service, so either you have to pay for repairs and updates, or learn to do them yourself. Most are not that difficult, and any specialty tools are cheaper than paying someone to do it (and then you have the tool). REI probably still offers basic repair courses too (free I think).
Some helpful videos on bike maintenance (I personally just clean/lube the chain regularly and then once every year or two I'll take it to my bike shop and have them do a tune up and catch everything I missed):
Thanks for all the great advice! I checked Craiglist and Nextdoor - and the people selling the mountain bikes are selling used ones for around $150-200 over the retail price of a new bike and they pretty much sell in a day or two. With COVID-19 issues and possible work hours decrease, I can't really pay a super premium on a mountain bike. I saw a Trek Marlin 5 (seemed pretty roughed up) on Nextdoor sell for $750 (retail new is $569.99).
I found out many bikes at even Target and Walmart use light weight aluminum and weigh around 30lbs also these days (unlike my high school days). I found a 2020 Schwinn Boundary with 29 inch tires IN STOCK, they are holding for me for 1 hour and seems to have great reviews and I think this will just have to do. This guys review is good enough for me and many others like it.
2020 Schwinn Boundary Mountain Bike | The best Walmart bike under $250?
Honestly, if you're buying an entry-level bike, there's no shame in buying a used bike! (I would rather go that route than buy a box store bike)
Yeah, for entry-level mountain/road bikes, there's definitely still used inventory. A lot of people think they'll try it out, then get bored with it and hardly even realize they have a pretty nice ride gathering dust in a garage. (I was finally guilted this spring into donating my spare road bike / "future project bike" to a charity.)
For cruiser/comfort bikes... there's just nothing, anywhere in the world.
Thanks for all the great advice! I checked Craiglist and Nextdoor - and the people selling the mountain bikes are selling used ones for around $150-200 over the retail price of a new bike and they pretty much sell in a day or two. With COVID-19 issues and possible work hours decrease, I can't really pay a super premium on a mountain bike. I saw a Trek Marlin 5 (seemed pretty roughed up) on Nextdoor sell for $750 (retail new is $569.99).
I found out many bikes at even Target and Walmart use light weight aluminum and weigh around 30lbs also these days (unlike my high school days). I found a 2020 Schwinn Boundary with 29 inch tires IN STOCK, they are holding for me for 1 hour and seems to have great reviews and I think this will just have to do. This guys review is good enough for me and many others like it.
2020 Schwinn Boundary Mountain Bike | The best Walmart bike under $250?
Edit; Not my bike and I do not know the person posting it. Just saw it and thought about this discussion. Perfect bike for the use you stated, price is OK but possibly a little bit high.
Thanks for all the great advice! I checked Craiglist and Nextdoor - and the people selling the mountain bikes are selling used ones for around $150-200 over the retail price of a new bike and they pretty much sell in a day or two. With COVID-19 issues and possible work hours decrease, I can't really pay a super premium on a mountain bike. I saw a Trek Marlin 5 (seemed pretty roughed up) on Nextdoor sell for $750 (retail new is $569.99).
Congrats! Now make sure it doesn't turn into the part of your garage decor! Shred that dirt! Haha.
Also, I have to say you were 100% correct about the workout equipment. This weekend I entertained an idea of getting a power cage to build my own weight lifting station/corner (a la cross-fit sans cult-like philosophy). Literally found zero stuff I was interested in purchasing. Everything is sold out and/or requires a back-order. Nothing is available at least until November. Well that sucks!
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Shred that dirt! Haha. 
