I used to bike everyday mostly up hills on a not so smooth road and I loved it and I had a old bike probably around 10 years old and every other day it felt like it was breaking in one way or another (it was a mountain bike)

And so now I haven't used a bike in over a year and need a new one

I was looking into hybrid bikes and they look right up my alley but I can't find one that isn't 800$ originally I was thinking under 300$ but now they are looking more like 500$ which is a little high for me

I am open to other types of bikes but I hate how heavy mountain bikes are

Good and cheap don't usually mix well. Good luck in your search.

A good (and maybe very old) mountain bike does not have to be heavy. My 1993 Cannondale SM800 that I bought in a thrift store for $20 has a listed weight of 23 pounds. No crappy suspension, just a good quality aluminum frame and decent components. It was dusty and the tires were flat but just picking up the bike to test its weight and I knew it was a keeper. I had a little sweat equity by going through and cleaning and lubricating the bearings plus some new brake pads and it was good to go.

If you are willing to buy a used bike, they can save a bundle. Expecially used and abused hybrids. Keep an eye on your local Craigslist, and thrift shops if they are open.

Of course, get it really cheap, and it could require a lot of work to get it on the road and dependable. Can you do your own maintenance?

If you are doing a lot of hills on paved roads, then road bikes are the way to go, but even the quality used ones can be expensive.

Some bike shops and many co-ops sell reconditioned bikes that have been...well, reconditioned. You can find some real bargains that way, and much less risky than Craigslist, etc.

If you can do your own work you can find some bargains on Amazon warehouse deals and its about the only place I can think of that will get you something new. Otherwise you're going to need to find a shop that sells used and has a decent selection which is the best place for a used bike. Its as easy to pick up a barely used bike as it is a nearly worn out bike on craigslist if you don't know what you're doing but if you do there are some serious bargains available.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...es-cafe-21.htm
about best your going to do new at $300

Just get an old mountain bike. I got my wahoo for 80 bucks, couldn't be happier. The new bikes are highly overrated and I would not consider getting a new one unless you are willing to spend thousands and get titanium or carbon and want a high tech racer. Otherwise you are just throwing your money out.

Check craigslist or facebook marketplace in your area, probably an odd time for person to person sales but you might find a deal on an older Hybrid or Hard tail mtb

Ollie's has good stuff cheap...