So I really want a bike to ride around and to commute around my city. ( San Francisco) It'll be mostly a casual thing for me and im just completely lost at what bikes are good for that. I weigh about 170 pounds and i am 5'9. I don't know anything about bikes nor have I had alot of experience riding them. Could you guys help guide me to the right path? Thanks!

I was looking at a Giant escape bikes and gearing towards hybrids. Are these good for me to start off with? I'm quite determined to ride frequently