Bike purchase suggestions

dgmaxfli

I am considering giving road biking a try for exercise but, at age 57, am a little reluctant to invest the money. My medical history includes some low back problems and rare bouts of prostatitis. I did go for a ride on my nephew's mountain bike over the summer and ended up with completely numb "private area" but of course I was riding a bike that was not fitted for me and was wearing a bathing suit. My thoughts are that I would be doing road biking around my house -- I'm not the type of guy to get home from work, load the bike into my car and drive somewhere to ride rails to trails etc. Any advice?? Research at local shops so far indicate that if I'm going to give this a go, I need to spend at least $1000 for a decent road bike. One shop had me looking at a Jamis hybrid but an ironman friend of mine said he's never known anyone happy with their hybrid. The other shop I went to had me looking at a Trek pilot (?2.1) or a cannondale -- not sure which one. Any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.