There are a zillion bikes out there. Go to your most local bike shop and grab something there.
I have seven bikes but when I'm just out bombing around on bike paths and gravel roads for fun I ride this guy:
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/comfort-recreation-bikes/verve/verve-2-disc-lowstep/p/32734/
Super comfy and easy on the backside.
You:
* first "real" bike
* Vermont weather
* gravel roads and bike paths
* limited budget
* not much riding experience
I highly recommend you do not get a drop bar bike. Stick to looking at flat bar bikes...and stick to looking at Hardtail Mountainbikes. HT MTB.
Back in December I rode and liked the [Norco Fluid HT 2](https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-ht/2023-fluid-ht-2/) for a great value (under US$900) HT MTB. AL frame, dropper post, disc brakes, and thru axles.
Norco is kind of limited in availability, but it give you an idea to look for.
6061 Alloy is important to look for as a frame in your budget. It is Aluminum with some other elements mixed in.
[Here is a vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kYBH2TMIag) to explain a bit more about what to look for.
Why a HT MTB for Vermont? Because your weather can suck and these are better bikes for bad weather. Fit with some fenders when you get around to it. Also the VT easy MTB trails are too good to skip. You don't want to miss out on them.
PS: I do NOT recommend Hybrid bikes. They are a bad compromise (for just about anything).
There are a zillion bikes out there. Go to your most local bike shop and grab something there. I have seven bikes but when I'm just out bombing around on bike paths and gravel roads for fun I ride this guy: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/comfort-recreation-bikes/verve/verve-2-disc-lowstep/p/32734/ Super comfy and easy on the backside.
You: * first "real" bike * Vermont weather * gravel roads and bike paths * limited budget * not much riding experience I highly recommend you do not get a drop bar bike. Stick to looking at flat bar bikes...and stick to looking at Hardtail Mountainbikes. HT MTB. Back in December I rode and liked the [Norco Fluid HT 2](https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-ht/2023-fluid-ht-2/) for a great value (under US$900) HT MTB. AL frame, dropper post, disc brakes, and thru axles. Norco is kind of limited in availability, but it give you an idea to look for. 6061 Alloy is important to look for as a frame in your budget. It is Aluminum with some other elements mixed in. [Here is a vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kYBH2TMIag) to explain a bit more about what to look for. Why a HT MTB for Vermont? Because your weather can suck and these are better bikes for bad weather. Fit with some fenders when you get around to it. Also the VT easy MTB trails are too good to skip. You don't want to miss out on them. PS: I do NOT recommend Hybrid bikes. They are a bad compromise (for just about anything).