I am looking for a bike. I am thinking on a hybrids because I am going to be on road and I am going to be on gravel surfaces as well.I am planning to use it for casual ride and may be on the future conmute (about 10km) to work on summer. I am 37 years old and I haven't have a bike since I was on my teens and I never use gears on a bike.
I would like to try to spend no more than $500.
The bicycles shops close at home carry the following brands: Norco, Opus and Kona

I went today and I saw the following bikes

Norco Vermount $420
Norco Yorkville $299
Norco Plateau $329
Norco Citadel $449

All are 2010-09 models, then are ~100$ cheaper than regular price.

Anyone knows any of these? Could recommend any of this?

I am going to another store to see the other brands during this weekend.
THanks for your help