I've been using a bicycle for transportation around town for about 5 years, but they have always been beater bikes that have been given to me. Now I am finally buying my first bike, but I don't know if I should go hybrid or road bike. The road bikes look so much cooler! However, I do remember having a road bike for about a year, and as much as I loved how fast I could go, I hated that pain in my neck. That bike was way too large for me and it was also a men's bike (I learned the hard way the importance of having a bike that fits my height and my gender). So this is is my dilemma, style vs. comfort, and I didn't even get into all the fufi colors the ladies bikes come in...

I will basically be using this bike to get around town, to and from work and school (in philadelphia, flat terrain), but I am moving to California and my commute there will be very hilly and I will probably be living at least a 1/2 hr bike ride from work or school. So I need a bike that can go long distances, is comfortable, lightweight, reliable and a pleasure to ride. I also want something I can go on longer rides over the weekend or even a month long trip up the coast. The downside is I don't have a lot of money to spend... Can I find what I'm looking for for under $600?

Thanks in advance for any input you can lend!