Hi.
I went through the same thing a few months ago (returning to cycling - the new midlife crisis - after 20 odd years of little or no exercise). I agonised for MONTHS over what and what kind of bike and ended up with a hybrid. A beautiful Forme Peaktrail 1.0 which is fantastic and I love it. Cycled lots, going further, getting faster, hurting less!
HOWEVER, I had seen comments saying that a hybrid was the worst, rather than best, of both worlds and, although I would not agree, I do understand that sentiment because since I started going out, I haven't stopped browsing longingly for road bikes on the Internet!
My local bike shop has a CAAD8 down from £850 to £600 which fits me perfectly (yes I've even been in and tried it out!!) and chainreaction have some full carbon jobbie reduced from £1900 to £750, also in my size!!! If I had that kind of money knocking about I would buy one of them, or even both of them, TODAY!! lol
So, not helpful at all I know, but hopefully interesting.