Hello pnw the search begins just because
 

Hello greater seattle area its riding time again for me and im looking to upgrade to a new a bike and spin the wheels.
ive been riding a 20 yr old schwinn crossfit with a aero bar and a back rack for a small bag , prior to that a le tour road bike for 13 years
i want a new set of wheels i ride the south sound area , most of the paved trails in the south end area valley trail,orting area, maple valley.i ride home from work its a flat ride but im not opposed to tackling any hills in area just because
when im home i head up over newcastle area to sammamish around tiger mountain gap and home to renton via maple valley 28 miles
im not a speed demon but i can pedal all day i like to drop bars on the hills but the crossbike gearing is nice
the question is road bike, a cross bike (trek fx7.5)with a aero bar / rack of course or a touring bike trek 520 ish type touring bike

im in a pickle with this choice i could use some help here

Get a road bike and never look back.

The 520 might be the bike for you. Have you tried any of these yet?

Oh and welcome to Bike Forums!