There are different styles/ types of bikes. You wrote about flat bar bikes. Do you know that, that is the type of bike you would like the most? A lot of bike tourists prefer (drop) road type handlebars. You will be the (long term ) happiest riding the right size bike. I think that you should focus on the sizing more than anything else. Beware of B.B.S. (Big Bike Syndrome) / The tendency to buy a big bike. As a bicycle store owner for over 12 years, I can't tell you how many times I helped cyclists from buying too big of a bike. Simple rule of thumb is to have more seat post showing than head tube size. A small bike is easier to mount than a monstrosity. (especially once it is loaded up.)