I always trot out the Kona Dew and all the variations in the Dew line. Excellent hybrid, bombproof frame (as my LBS calls it) and the bottom of the line has decent components that can easily be upgraded later. http://www.konaworld.com/09_dew_u.cfm I rode mine on some long rides, commutes, and in a triathlon.

For your LLD, consider some custom cranks. A couple folks here on TE have cranks made by this guy: http://www.hscycle.com/Pages/cantsandwedges.html