I want something with a fairly upright and comfortable riding position. My hero was the tortoise not the hare. I don't plan to race ever but would like to be able to hold maybe a 14-15 mph pace easily for up to a half century if/when I work up to that point.
It sounds like you're wanting what I'm trying to get away from: a "comfort" bike. I have a Trek Navigator 200 and I'm trying to get away from the evil thing because it puts me in an upright riding position. For me, this is uncomfortable as I don't want to go slow. If I'm putt-putting along with my 8 year old daughter, we go slow enough this bike is fine as it's almost a casual lounging position/ride.
Depending on where you live, I'd be more than willing to sell you mine so I can get a fitness/road bike (I'm in eastern North Dakota, though).
Edit: I should probably give you ideas on my size for sizing the bike. I'm 5'9", weigh in just under 300, and the bike is an 18.5" frame. Other than that, I don't know details on equipment as I'm only just now getting into biking as a somewhat "serious" thing.