Touring - need help, Sirrus/Quick alternatives?

Hi, all, I will really appreciate any thoughts. I do have to get a hybrid for spine reasons. I'm planning on commuting on this bike as well as doing tours with 50-70 mile days. I've already done a four-day tour on a rental hybrid so I know it works for me. Maybe it's easiest if I just list what I've tried:

The #2 contenders:
Cannondale Quick 4 - I love this bike. But my butt keeps kind of sliding off the back of the saddle (even still a little with the saddle adjusted all the way back). I can't tell if it could be corrected with a saddle that would let me lean my hips forward (I'm a girl) but I'm still searching for a bike shop that will let me test ride it with a different saddle. Also I find my thumbs a bit short to use the shifters comfortably.
Specialized Sirrus - I love the fit of this and also the twist shifters. Two problems: My hands hurt after the test ride. This doesn't happen to me on any other bike so I wouldn't think it's a posture thing. Maybe it's the stupid ergonomic grips? Second: it's a really jolting ride compared to the other bikes I've been on. Although most roads I'll be on won't be as bad as nyc streets, there's always gravel and debris on the side of roads and I worry that over long distances the rough ride will be tiring.

Questions: Can I fiix the problems with the Sirrus? Or can anyone please suggest something a lot like the Sirrus that has a smoother ride? (And how difficult is it to switch in twist shifters if they aren't standard?)

Other bikes I've tried:
Gary Fisher (model?) (handlebars too wide)
Diamondback (model?) (rides too rough and legs feel cramped)
Schwinn Super Sport (gearing too high)
Giant Seek (handle bars too wide)
Raleigh Cadence (again, a little "spread out" in the upper body)

Thanks for reading this far! Any thoughts welcome.

Which model of Sirrus did you test ride? It has a Aluminum frame so yeah, you're going to feel the bumps on the road. The 2008 Sirrus Sport I used to ride had a CF fork and seat stays which I guess helped with the ride a little bit. I rode on it for awhile with the stock handle bar with bar ends, but I eventually switched everything out for a Nashbar Trekking Bar which was awesome! It gives you more the upright riding position for traffic/commuting riding however with much more hand positions. So if you're going with something with flat bars, keep in mind you can always upgrade to a Trekking bar.

I also use a hybrid for weekend tours, but my workout bike is a Sirrus Expert with carbon forks and seat stays. I like the bike, much faster than my Trek but the riding position does put more weight on my hands. I had numbness problems until I bought a pair of Specialized BG gel gloves. It also feels much less comfortable if I try to just go for a slow easy ride instead of pushing it. I can't ride 5 miles on the MUP with my wife with it, but I can ride hard for 30 with no problems. I wouldn't use the Sirrus for a trip, but a lot of people do.

There ain't no perfect bike as you've discoved. All require a bit of tolerance and customization from the rider.

Since Fit is First, go with the Sirrus. Change to a treking bar with double gel tape for hand comfort. Run the tires slightly underinflated to smooth out the bumps.

It's really not the bike..... it's the bike shop that matters. All of the hybrid bikes you've tried are good, some are better. As far as narrower bars and different a saddle to get you a good fit--- any good bike shop will gladly do this. It's the reason why we have bike shops-- to help riders. Be up front about what you want and get a shop to customize a bike for you. It's best to set up a time so they can give you the attention you'll need.

Good luck, pm me if you get stuck,
Tacomee

Which model of Sirrus did you test ride? It has a Aluminum frame so yeah, you're going to feel the bumps on the road. The 2008 Sirrus Sport I used to ride had a CF fork and seat stays which I guess helped with the ride a little bit. I rode on it for awhile with the stock handle bar with bar ends, but I eventually switched everything out for a Nashbar Trekking Bar which was awesome! It gives you more the upright riding position for traffic/commuting riding however with much more hand positions. So if you're going with something with flat bars, keep in mind you can always upgrade to a Trekking bar.

Thanks! The first Sirrus was the basic, lowest-end, one. Actually since this post I tried the Sirrus Elite which also has the cf fork and seatstays and those took the edge off the road enough for me. Also something about the geometry is different and doesn't put too much weight on my hands! So I'm pretty much in love with it. I'm a little worried because I've never had carbon fiber components before. The guy at the shop says it can carry 100 lb on a rear rack, though. Did you ride yours with a load? Also, there's some extremely rough pavement around my area (tree roots buckling the bike path, etc.) and I'm wondering if I have to be careful about that. I know I won't enjoy riding as much if I'm worrying that the next surprise pothole might shatter my bike. How did you feel about your Sport's durability?