I have been riding for a few months now on my dad's old mtb for exercise. Now that I'm starting to ride farther I have come to the conclusion I would like to get a new bike more fitting of the riding I have been doing. Currently I ride between 14-20 miles, 4-5 times a week and have found the limiting factor on how long I ride has become comfort and not my legs being tired out. The bike I'm using is simply what I had and was not fit for me and I think it is too small which is leading to some of the discomfort. I'm 6'2 and currently weigh 250 lbs. (weighed 294 when I began riding/eating better).
Right now I only ride on the road/sidewalk and have decided I would prefer to get a bike with drop bars, and I have a budget of no more than $1000.
Here are the bikes I'm currently looking at:
CAAD 8 6 TIAGRA:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/road...6-tiagra-15829
CAADX TIAGRA:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/road...1-caadx-tiagra
Jamis Aurora:
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...rora_spec.html
Bianchi Volpe:
http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/gran-fondo/volpe/
Trek 1.5:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...d_1_series/1_5
Fuji Cross 3.0:
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/cross-302
Fuji Newest 1.0:
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/newest-103
I think most of those seem to be good entry level bikes. Judging by MSRPs I think the ones I listed would come in under the $1000 dollar mark. 3 are aluminum road bikes, 2 steel, and 2 cyclocross. The reason I am looking at the cyclocross and steel is because I'm concerned with my weight and the fact that in some areas I ride on the sidewalk/not the best roads, and that the aluminum bikes wouldn't hold up as well as a heavier bike.
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Also feel free to make suggestions.