What kind of bike do you ride/want?

[Tri Girl]

Good for you!!! Trade in the SUV for an SUB.
I do like Kona and Jamis both. If you have an REI nearby, the Novara bikes are pretty nice, too. I've had my eye on the Transfer. http://www.rei.com/product/808786/novara-transfer-bike-2012
Easy mount, internal 7 speed hub, chain guard, fenders, generator hub headlight, etc. Dreamy...
It's got all the bells and whistles you'd need for transportation/errands and it's right at $700. Don't know if the 7 gears would be OK for your hills, tho.

I'd get a mixte because of ease of getting on and off with a rack and panniers. When I'm carrying a lot of stuff on my 'cross bike (which is my commuter/errand/winter bike), it's awkward getting my leg over the top of the panniers, especially if they're full and heavy. It would be nice to not have to tip the bike to get off.

You make a good point! I have an old steel Bianchi Eros that's my commuter/errand bike and when she's fully loaded down, it CAN be hard to kick my leg up and over her full panniers. Which is why I've been dreaming about the Transfer lately...