Hi all. I've read these threads before and I can feel you judging me already, but I hope a few of you experts will be able to indulge me.

I'm going to describe my ideal bike and I hope some of you could direct me to whatever is closest.

I started looking around for a new bike more than a month ago, only to find that there are more models and makers than I can count, and it seems none of them offer exactly what I want.

I'm 5'6'' and 170 lbs (yeah, I'm working on that last bit!). I'd be riding a 6-mile round trip to work a few days a week through the coastal New Jersey suburbs on sometimes hilly terrain (do not think San Francisco) and sometimes rough roads emptying into somewhat fast traffic, as well as some light riding for fun. All pavement. No dirt. I've got no interest in mountain biking.

My ideal bike would:

* have a 3,5,7,8 or 9-speed internal hub (This is actually my only solid requirement)
* have disc or drum brakes
* have mountain bike-esque riding position (Not fond of the dutch or granny-style seating positions. I'm 43, not 83.)
* come with fenders
* come with a chain guard
* have dynamo lights
* come with rear rack
* come in any color of the rainbow, so long as it's black
* be priced no more than $750

Mind you, this is ideal.

Bikes I've looked at (only online, however, since NONE of the dealers around here carry a single one of the bikes I like) are as follows:

Kona bike - nice, black, inexpensive, mostly commuter friendly, but i wonder about only 3 speeds and it has a combination of front pull and rear coaster brakes. I think that's scary.

Torker Graduate: Nice, mostly commuter friendly. Good IGH and drum brakes. But a little more granny seating than I'd like, I think.

Kona Dr. Good: Very smooth looking, maybe a bit too sporty, not at all commuter equipped and just on the cusp of going over the edge with pricey-ness.

Kona Dr. Fine: Sooooo fine! Way out of my price range and not equipped with commuter duds. But wow, is that pretty.

Scott SUB 10: Again, wow, is that pretty, even if it's not black. I love the geometry. Its only twice what I'd like to pay, but it has freakin' everything and its beautiful.

Breezer Finesse: Uber dudded out with commuter fare, decent geometry, sit and go bike. Way out of my price range again, tho.

So there you have it. If anyone can offer the slightest hint on what direction I should go, I'd really appreciate it. I've been to six bike shops in my area and have found only a Bianchi to ride. I can't remember what model it was, but it was okay. Ugly as hell, though. None of the shops around here (jersey shore) carry much beyond cruisers, or very high end road bikes. There doesn't seem to be much in between. They'll all order something for me, but I'd be buying a bike, it seems, sight unseen.

Thanks in advance,

Keith.