Thanks all......I have to apologize.....
I didn't get a message saying there was a reply to my post until I received an email today saying I had 10 replys.....
Went to a local bike shop here in New Orleans.........one I had been emailing. The owner suggested the Jamis Coda models. After telling him what I wanted and where I was riding, he said that either the Sport, Comp or the regular Coda model. He told me that he was going to setup a few bikes for me to try out with different handle bar setups, tire sizes etc. and he was going to have me test them out and see what I liked....if I didn't like any he said he would start over with differnt models until he put together something I felt comfortable with. Prices ranges between $550 and $900 depening on model and different upgrades.
Thanks for all the imput........definitely makes me feel more at ease with making this investment.