Now that you've received a variety of answers here, you might consider visiting bike stores in your area and asking which of their brands and models best match your list of requirements. A weekday or early or late in the day on a weekend day would probably be best, so that they can spend some unhurried time with you. (If you have a friend who has been a frequent cyclist for at least a few years, maybe ask him or her to accompany you for additional input.)