Hi everyone, I am 67 - I have a reasonably nice Specialized road bike that is maybe 15 years old. But the drop down handle bars and overall geometry make my neck ache and my hands and nether regions get numb (I have gloves and padded shorts). I used to ride 1-3 hours and do some modest hill riding. But I pretty much have stopped because I just don't like the misery. I have been trying to figure out how to fix/replace this bike. The only thing I feel certain about is a flat bar.

So what I'd like is a bike I can sit on for at least 2-3 hours without undue misery, gear ratios and light weight that lets me go up hills. My budget is under $2k.

Can you help guide my thinking ... I've been pouring thru google searches and am not making much progress. What kinds of things should I be paying attention to when I start talking seriously at bike stores?

Thanks a lot, Chuck