I am EXTREMELY new to cycling. I'm getting ready to move and have the opportunity to do some longer rides at my new place. Did 10 miles on my 15-20 year old Giant Iguana and loved it. Riding almost everyday.

I went to the local bike store to take a look and figure out what size I need. I'm 5-8 to 5-9 and they fitted me on a 17 inch frame. I tend to have long legs, always have to buy my pants in long. Does this sound like the right size bike?

I"m goign to be mostly on asphalt, but there is a lot of gravel/pot-holes etc, so I was looking at some sort of hybrid. The trek 7.5 looks good, but honestly looking at the 7.3, 7.5, 7.6 I don't know enough to know what the difference is.

Another friend recommended the Surly Long Haul Trucker?

Any advice would be very appreciated!