Thanks for all the advice, everyone. The Trek FX5 is one I had looked at online, and it just might be the ticket. In the meantime, I think I'll take my PA Cycles road bike in for a consultation and get it ready to ride again. Replacing those 20 year old tires and brake pads, at a minimum.

My family and I just returned from a 3 week trip to Germany. Although I had heard about the huge % of people who commute by bike, it still was amazing to see the streams of people on bikes going to and from work. Although German drivers are maniacally focussed on their driving, they treat bike riders with respect. If they can't safely pass with at least a meter to spare, they wait.

Thanks again!