I have narrowed down my search to these 5 entry level hybrid bikes. Need you help in deciding which is better bang for the buck. Main purpose commute (3 km or 15 mins one way) and running errands in toronto downtown. Occasional long rides along paved lake shore. My commute path road is really bad with construction and potholes. I'm 5' 7", 190 lbs.

1. Yorkville - Hybrids - City - Bikes - Norco Bicycles LBS price $375. Original price $435
-- alumimium frame, st. steel fork. First bike I test road and liked it. Just wondering if I have better option.
2. VALENCIA BIKE :: Louis Garneau LBS price $399. Original price $525
-- aluminium frame, chromoly fork. I like the fastness (city commuter style bike) but missed the upright sitting of a comfort style. Frame felt solid and likes the simplicity of the 8 speed but the brakes felt cheap.
3. URBANIA SC1 BIKE :: Louis Garneau LBS price $550. Original price $800

-- I felt the better components (brakes esp) as it "is" a level up than the other entry level ones. Likes the styling most (red and black one in my LBS , not the one on the link) and looks like a steal given $250 off from original price. But not sure if I will able to take advantage of the better components and worth spending $175 extra given that I an a beginner and will hardly ride for more than 30 mins at a time.

And then there are these two in my price range that I didn't test ride yet. They don't have promo pricing but considering these as a friend told me that Devinci and Giant is better value than Norco. Do you agree?
4. Devinci Milano $450. (DEVINCI )
5. Giant Cypress $400 (Cypress (2015) | Giant Toronto)

(P.S. I know most important is the fit and how I feel, that is for me to decide. But need your help in comparing the components for the price as I do not have the expertise or knowledge to do that. Your comment will help me decide when I have a tie breaker fit and feel wise)

Without doing all the research that would be necessary to reveal the minute differences between these bikes, I'd say you should buy the one that catches your eye. It will be the one you're most likely to want to continue to ride after your "honeymoon" is over. Haha (Bikes in this price range tend to be very similar. Light bikes are easier to carry up stairs if that's a consideration.)

Get the one that supports fenders and racks easily. These things make your bike way more practical.

The first one looks like it'll make your butt and back hurt on rides more than 8km or so. that's just my experience, I'm neither a bike expert nor a body expert. Same with 5.

The second is a beauty. It should be good for most commutes imo. But lack of gears will make things harder if you travel near beaches east or hilly Scarborough. You'll get used to the not-so-upright position.

Third looks good overall. I use the tire Kenda Kwest on my mountain bike for commute. They're great and can handle gravel and all kinds of things thrown at it. Speaking of which, I'm selling that mtb with road tires I just mentioned for cheap, you may like it for the extra suspension.

I agree with your friend that 4 and 5 looks great. I'd probably go with 4 if i were you. The fat tires may slow you down but will give you comfort.

The Norco and Giant have the lowest level Shimano drivetrain, the others are a step or two up.

I like the Norco and the Giant for what you describe. You can also consider an entry level mountain bike and have the shop swap to fat, smooth tread tires instead. It may be slower but probably very comfortable. If you are willing to go to higher price points, like the second LG bike you listed, you may have better options from Norco or Giant. I'm a fan of the Roam.

All the bikes listed have similarly functional basic components. At this price point I wouldn't worry too much about it. Find the most comfortable one from a shop that treats you well and if things wear out, replace them with better things if you feel the need.

edit: regarding the difference in feel of the brakes, I would hypothesize that the ones with brakes that felt much better than the others where simply set up better by the mechanic that assembled the bike. These bikes all have similar basic rim brakes. The Valencia has what I would consider the "worst" brakes of the bunch. If braking is a significant concern of yours, you may want to try out something with disc brakes.

Urbania would be my pick

It looks to me that the only one without rear eyelets is the Devinci. Since these are at a shop, and a rack is a likely option choice, it might be worth having the sales person to recommend inexpensive rack and fenders, and show how they are to be attached.

A plus one from me.

- Andy

For the kind of hard use you are likely to put on this, I would pass on anything with a 7-speed freewheel hub. A cassette type hub with 8 speeds or more is inherently stronger since there is less unsupported axle length. I think that 8-speed in particular is an excellent pricepoint for the operational costs of a bike over it's lifetime. This is exactly the upgrade I made to my 1977 touring bike when I moved to Europe.

Since your taste in riding position will likely change a bit over time, something with a threaded-style stem, so you can adjust it up/down as needed over the first year of ownership, may be a good choice.

Urbania, hands down, Carbon fork.
I have had various accessories from Garneau and they have all been very nice quality.

The bend in the drop outs does look a little weird though.