RE: hands going numb. Make sure that your seat is flat, a downward tilted seat increased hand pressure/ is a hand killer. I have found that putting rubber from cut up flip flop sandals under the handlebar tape is really nice padding. (it does compress to 1/4" from the original 1/2" thickness from tape pressure)
The mentioned TREK 930 to 970 are nicer as the numbers go up, but note these are 26" rigid steel mountain bikes from the early 90's, not really hybrids. If you are looking at hybrids, considering your height, I would recommend 17" Have you looked at craigslist, I have had really good luck when it comes to deals.