Originally Posted by
SJ408
I'd prefer a flat bar. Hills are short but real steep, I'm an average rider. Mainly ride in my free time for fun. Price range around $600 or so.
This helps.
I've found bar ends to help immensely on steep climbs on a flat bar bike, as they allow a better hand position and facilitate a more forward weight balance.
A sporty hybrid bike or fully rigid mountain bike with slick tires would be good options, IMO.