Hi: I am a 38 yr old, female -- 5'8" tall. Haven't had a bike since college & would like to get into it now.

Have approx. $500 to spend. Expect to mainly be on bike paths & the road, but may also hit the dirt every now & again. Am having a tough time finding a bike that will do both. Any recs?

I test rode the Trek 7.2 FX WSD. Liked it, but the LSB said it would not do well at all on dirt, gravel, etc.

Thanks so much for any advice!