I think bikes are like shoes...everyone likes different styles. The best type of bike for you is well...one you will ride. Look at what kind of ride it is (terrain), are you riding on gravel, grass, pavement, mud or dirt? Lots of hills? Do you ride nice and easy or are you hopping curbs and like to rip it up on the weekend on trails? Are you a easy going rider or do you like to go really fast? Also, how much do you want to spend, the skies the limit.

Personally for what you're telling me, If I didn't already own a bike, I would get a comfort type bike with grocery getter baskets on a back rack. If you have hills get one with gears...if you don't have hills, go single speed cruiser type. That's what I would get.

Also another considertation is are there many bike thieves in your area? I ride an old clunker mountain bike and lock it...but most thieves won't look at a 25 year old clunker, they want new fancy bikes.

Anyway, hope my input helps.