There are some brands of bicycles that can cost more than the down payment on a car. Why? Surely making a bike lightweight and reliable isn’t so difficult that it warrants that price? Is it just the brand name or maybe it has to do with customization options?
Where do you live? The Giant Contend 3 starts at 1000 USD. Their hybrid bikes are even cheaper.
North Carolina, east coast USA.
Though to be fair I last looked a few years ago. Situations may have changed by now. But when I was in the market for a cheap bike none of them seemed reasonably priced to me.
Covid spiked bike prices a lot.
If you know where to look you can get a great adult bike for under $500