I'm a refugee from the Classic and Vintage subforum, but steel road bicycles soak up the road like your old hybrid. (We like steel over there) There are many new steel road bikes available with modern shifting. I have a used Jamis that rides very nicely and looks sharp as hell .(it's done up in brushed steel -- trying to cop a titanium vibe)

http://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/1045627-modern-steel-road-bike-appreciation-thread.html

Check that thread out. Steel soaks up rail trail and mup riding.

If you are newish to cycling and your bike shop is a good one, it is worth the extra fifty - hundred bucks to buy a good entry level road bike from your shop. They will offer advice and maintenance and a sort of social support that adds to the experience. Once you ride a ton and start working on the bike, then maybe start venturing into getting slick with finding deals.