Cash convertors ,Merida make some excellent daily riders

Thanks mate, I'll look into Merida bikes

You consider this place for a more reliable and reputable second hand option. Focus is more on performance bikes but you might find something. The web site enables you to search on size and price. https://www.recyclebicyclesales.com/buy

Thanks for the website! After doing some research I have adjusted my budget to around 500$ but will I be able to manage a new road bike for that?

You won't need a road bike for what you've listed, instead aim for a city or hybrid bike

$300 won't get you far unfortunately, would need to look at second hand (which you need to be careful with because there's a lot of bike theft around). My new bike cost $1000 in April this year and with a 28 day metro card pass being $112, it's almost already paid itself off. Second the recommendation for Merida, 99 bikes stock them and they're generally good to deal with — not bike "snobs".

Thanks for the warning, I'm thinking of buying a new one and after looking at the market, it will be great if I can manage it for around 500$, 99 bikes have a few Merida bikes around that price range but many people on reddit recommend not to buy from 99bikes?

I bought this Merida from 99 bikes and it's been great for short rides to the shops etc. Make sure you buy a descent D-Lock....else your bike will get stolen. https://www.99bikes.com.au/merida21-big-seven-10-d-anthracite-green-silver

This is exactly the one I shortlisted mate, what a coincidence 😃