Brooklyn born-again newbie here. I am looking to get back into riding after 2 herniated disks. Looking for something slightly more upright, but need to test-ride some bikes to see how the back handles the strain. I did about 100 mi/wk back in my mid-twenties, but due to other life requirements, will likely use my bike for commuting, trips to the grocery store, general fun riding with my wife (<40 mi) and CV exercise. My budget is under $1,000 and I want a generator hub. I don't mind doing some upgrades to a stock bike, but would like to stay in budget.
I would love some recommendations for good LBS's which will not give me a hard time about test riding. I have a nice LBS, but they don't really carry any inventory in the store. Good people, but a very small store. I am going to test-ride a Jamis commuter 3.0 from there, but I would like to keep my options open in case I am not sold on it. I was also considering a Surley Long Haul Trucker and have looked at the Breezers and Bianchi on the net.
Any ideas would be appreciated.

Yeah - about me: I am 6'3 and weigh 230lbs. so durability would be important.

Hrm... I have to say, I'm not sure a test ride will help you very much in this respect. Something that feels comfortable for a 15 minute test ride may well feel horrendous at the 30 or 60 mile mark.

I'd seriously consider a recumbent, if your back is still in bad shape. The last thing you want is to hit a pothole and screw up your back again.

I rode an upright style cruiser while on vacation in Miami and was good. I have been exercising lately and my back is feeling pretty good. I can do stationary bikes without trouble (I realize this is a far cry from actual road cycling). I was looking for something more upright than a racer, and considering getting a sprung saddle to help impacts.