Kona would be worth a good look.

Since ya need to ride before ya buy, take your list of requirements to a LBS, find one that is comfy (aside from the seat) after a 30+ min test ride, and buy. Most bikes in that price range have nearly identical quality parts, unless they have an expensive feature (like disc brakes) that force them to use lower quality components to make up the difference.

Avoid shocks at that price range.

Why not get a drop bar bike? You can get interrupt (cross) brake levers, that let ya ride on the flats for a hybrid like position. You'll have more hand positions, and the ability to tuck if it's windy or ya want to go faster.