I never thought I'd say this, but a flat bar road bike, or a fitness bike (same thing, different marketing departments). Might be just right for you. Relatively comfortable, but a little more aggressive than a true hybrid (these have road caliper brakes) and certainly still fast enough to keep your interest. Ride that for a while then graduate to a bike with drops as you become fitter and gain flexibility.
Honestly your best bet is to shop around and find a local shop that does fittings and can get you set up and out the door. Leave the wallet at home the first time you go in.
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Shimano : Click :: Campy : Snap :: SRAM : Bang