Only one person can answer this and that is you. You have to get out to the shops and test ride- then test a few more and then find another shop and test some of theirs. Not only the different makes but the different types within those makes.

So what Budget and what use are you going to put the bike to-(Trails- road or even offroad- or a mixture)

You say you are looking to do a 70 mile tour so My suggestion is a Road bike. At this stage I would say a bike with a higher head tube than the out and out racing geometry bikes and after you have tested a few you may agree or differ. Material and I reckon it is a choice between Aluminium or C.F. as good steel frames are not readily available and they may not be as light as you would like. But even within those materials- the ride can be like chalk and cheese.

Then there is the LBS (Local Bike Store) Don't mean the bike round the corner as the right LBS for you may be quite a few miles away. You will know when you find it.

But bikes-- Not many bad bikes within the main manufacturers but depending on your budget- you should be able to aim for a bike that weighs in around 20lbs- has a groupset of 105 or better and have wheels that are better than the "Average" inhouse original fitment wheels. Plenty of bikes to choose from And I would not discount some of the upper market names from that list.