... or lack thereof

Hi, I am new to the forum, and to biking as an adult

For past few days I have been looking at bikes. I originally thought I wanted a road bike but since I live in NYC and have dont plan on doing any type of racing, I think hybrid might work best for me (I also reviewed some forums here on that guidance). After visiting a handful bike shops here, I think I like the commuter bikes better than the hybrid - primarily due to the classic look. I also would like it to be relatively light so I can carry it to subway stations if need to. I am limiting myself to $700.

The search thus far has been somewhat disappointing, after visiting 4 shops I have only come to like Civia Twin City, which has a steel frame. I like the bike but was hoping I'd have some options to compare it with. Are there any other bikes, hybrid or commuter, that anyone here would recommend? Happy to take any recommendations for bike shops in NYC, if anyone has any.

Spends some time reading through the "what bike should I buy" posts here and in the hybrids forum. You don't say what specific bikes you find ugly. in the $700 price range, you can buy really nice bike, probably in the 25 pound range. The Trek FX is popular line as is the Specialized Sirrus and Giant Escape. Do you find these ugly?

These forums are useful, but they're not an authority on what will work for you.
Go to shops that let you ride their bikes. Ask tons of questions. Ride as many as you can for as long as they'll let you. Include ones that you have no intention of buying just to see what the difference are. Once you narrow it down, ask if there is a place you can rent something similar for a weekend.
There's no substitute for real riding experience.

Brooklyn? Ride Brooklyn is a good shop. They have a Williamsburg shop. They do lots of commuter bikes.