Though this will be for commuting purposes, I ride (and prefer) hybrids. Also feel I won't get as many recommendations to "just get a road bike" here- which some of y'all know my background and the reasons why drops aren't in my future.

Now down to business. I've got a couple of job leads the next town over- could be anywhere from 9 to 15 miles. 99% of the time, I'd be on some variation of asphalt. And there are hills. I can (and have) ridden the route once and could do it for the near term. However, I've since come to the conclusion that my bike is just a tad too big, and really hoping to get another bike that fits me better.

That being said, I'm wondering if I should keep an eye out for bikes that have road gearing or mtb gearing? Mind you, I already tend to gravitate towards the performance/fitness side of the hybrid spectrum, but I also like to coast.