Assistance picking a good Hybrid bike

Question
Hi - I'm looking for a flat handlebar, upright bike - that is fast, nimble, and has a very wide range of gears and fits somewhere between $500 and $1000.  Expect to break it in on a 165 mile 2-day charity bike ride and need it to compensate for not being in perfect shape.  Would greatly appreciate if you could point me in the right direction for 3 - 5 options --- with your thoughts and recommendations greatly appreciated.  Expect mostly road use - with some urban and neighborhood riding.  Thank you tremendously for your help. ~ Dennis

Answer
Hello Dennis,

I can recommend you for example a Specialized Sirrus Comp, a nice builded bike, nice component a perfectly fitted within your budget. You can also change some parts to better perform components. It is difficult to say but under a budget you nearly find big differences in quality.
You asked me also to point you out for some other brands ;

Specialized.com types; like Sirrus (<900 $)
Giant-bicycles.com/us types; like FCR2 (<700 $)
Scottusa.com/bikes/road/sportster types; sportster (925 $)
Trekbikes.com types; like Sport Urban

There are many differences in framematerials, and I can't explain these in one email.
Therefor can you reach your local bikestore.

The Scott has nice components, just like the Specialized Sirrus. But try these bikes at a bikestore.
You can find dealers on the website I gave you.

I can only say that you will figure it out yourself.

And if you still have questions, don't hesitate to send me a email again.

Kind regards,

PS : a suspension fork is very nice, but the cheaper one's will only give you more weight instead of nice comfort.

Michael