I went back to cycling in 2002, also, and started with a Trek hybrid. One year later I bought a Fuji Roubaix and find it much more comfortable than the hybrid, not to mention lighter and more responsive. For a road bike you should look for a frame big enough, one with a head tube long enough to allow the handlebars to be near the same height as the saddle. I think my bars are about 1-2 cm. lower than the saddle, and I find that comfortable, even with a 51-year-old's neck.
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You're east of East St. Louis
And the wind is making speeches.