Originally Posted by gregr4

I'm 56, 260, and live in a high traffic urban environment. The last time I bought a bike, basically all they had were 10-speeds! I don't know anything about all the many newer types. I'm looking for something that comes as close to the following criteria as possible.
Any recommendations you have are appreciated.

1) Comfort At 56 I'm no longer interested in feeling every bump in the road!
2) Manueverability I live in a high traffic environment with many drivers too distracted on their cells, etc. to pay attention to the road. I need to be able to manuever fast and easily should a distracted driver come my way
3) Off Road Although it won't get that much off road use, I'd like to be able to go off road at least some of the time. Bike should be able to handle this without falling apart or needing lots of maintenance. No I won't be flying off cliffs or anything overly demanding.
4) Maintenance Decades ago when I bought my last bike, the only real maintenance needed was air, gear lube and brake pads. As I found in recent years, many bike shops seem to be doing their best to push the 'annual tune-up' concept. And with the prices they charge it seems a real scam. I want a bike that does not require an annual tune-up. I don't want a primadonna!
Ir should be of the best Quality components for its' price range
5) Price While high-end bikes have always been pricey, I've been amazed to see some nowadays that sell for the price of a small new car! I'd like my bike to come in under 1k!