Thanks for all the advice so far.
I've done a lot more looking around, and I'm currently looking at the Avanti Black Thunder. Logic being that while the Giant Hybrid is more comfortable to sit on, it doesn't seem like it would be more comfortable to ride... too upright. The main use of the bike will be riding (hopefully around 30 mins at a time) to get fit, not lazy Sunday sightseeing (no time).
So, the Avanti is a MTB not a hybrid, but feels very comfortable. Got a chance to ride around the parking lot, which is not much but boy, it sure felt better to ride than my last bike over a decade ago. Very light etc. by comparison.
So, a bit more advice if you'd be so kind. I'm currently looking at MTBs, as you can put more road appropriate wheels on 'em if needed but otherwise they seem more likely to last and more comfortable to me for the sort of riding I'd do. I realize that a road bike (or road hybrid) would be easier to ride on road, and I'd go faster/further, but the point is to be able to get a good work out in 30 minutes, not be able to get to work without a sweat or go the fastest and furthest with the least effort. Extra effort on road is almost a positive! If I end up wanting to do all that later, then maybe I'll justify a bike for that purpose as well. The MTB seems more likely to be good enough for every situation.
Thoughts on that rationale?
Thoughts on the Black Thunder specifically?
Given the above, I think what I need most is something that will be of sufficient quality to last, and hopefully last with the minimum of maintenance as that is a large ongoing cost if you pay the bike shop to do it on your behalf (getting quoted $70 per service!). Anything else I should be looking for? Is Avanti cheap/easy to service, find parts for, low maintenance etc.?
Also, just as an "incase", what about things like the ODIN Evolution or Exceed and the like from
ebay?
Search for item no 200093958408
(not quite a link, as I'm too new here apparently)
I assume there's a reason they are asking less than half RRP, and that I can't find a seller anywhere locally?
Thanks all!