How Can I Find a Hybrid/Trainer Bike ?

I've ridden off and on for years and need to switch from my trusty road bike
to something more upright. The reason is due to excessive wear and tear on
my neck. I can't tolerate the "head up" position any more, although a more
upright position isn't much of a problem. I've satisfied myself that this
is the case by modifying my old Trek road bike stem set with one of those
adjustable stems so that I can sit much more upright. However, for various
reasons, this isn't a good long term solution. I've decided to hang up my
road bike and get a hybrid, crosstrainer, or whatever they're called.

I've never owned anything but a road bike so I am woefully ignorant of all
the versions and the different names given to them. In order to keep costs
down, I would like to find a quality used bike and rebuild it, probably with
a few upgrades along the way. Realistically, I am limited to one or two
hour workout (i.e., hill) rides, so efficiency, weight, handling, etc.
should not be big issues, but I still want a reasonably solid bike under me
that has quality componentry. If I were shopping for a new bike, I would be
looking in the $600 to $1000 range, no suspension (or at least no rear
suspension), etc. I'm a big guy so I want a very sturdy frame.

Finally, my question:

How can I identify the several-year old models that would be suitable for
me? For instance, I saw a new Marin Bear Valley bike at a local store that
seemed reasonable, but their website doesn't allow me to scope out
equivalent models from a few years ago. I guess what I would like to see is
a short list of candidate bikes from a few major manufacturers so that I
will know what to look for on-line, in print ads, etc. Any help would be
appreciated.

- Magnusfarce