What was your training plan last year?
What are your cycling goals for this year?

I did a hilly century on a hybrid and bought a road bike after that. It is a triple (extra gears) and carbon fiber (super light). What you should buy now depends on what your cycling goals are. A hybrid makes you sit more upright, something you may now want if you are doing long rides and trying to improve times. Anything with suspension may be nice on trails but slows you down overall.

A new bike with a new riding position and new fit will change all of your seat, knee, and hip issues. Make sure you get a bike that fits. A good bike fit and time in the saddle should leave you with no pains.

I have never used chamois butter. Could it be you were using too much?