I'm in the same boat as you.

I want a hybrid/fitness bike. I am 44, planning to ride for pleasure, but also want to build up to 20 miles at a time, give or take. Maybe later even tackle a short day trip.

I've narrowed my choices to:

Jamis Aragon
Trek 7200 or 7300 (I'd have bought this in a second but I can't get the 7300 anywhere around here......... I like the comfort, and it seems good).
Giant Farrago

Now, however, I'm looking at Bianchi at the store owner's recommendation. It's a cross training bike, but classified as hybrid, too. Will go farther than a reg. hybrid, better componentry, than bikes in the $300 range, but is a good choice before looking at the road bikes ($600+). The Bianchi sells for $429.

What I've found is that the $300 bikes won't satisfy me, or they'll limit me to what I can do, how far I can go.

The least pricey bike I can find that will do what I want is min. $400. If you have some flex. financially, don't rule out expanding your budget...... might be worth it in the long run.

I rode a smaller frame of the Bianchi, and I have to say I think it felt very smooth. Shifted well. Seems to have excellent features for a hybrid. PRAYING this'll be the one for me. I'm so exhausted from looking at all the brands, researching, comparing.

Happy shopping. STop back and let us know what you decide.