Look into the Fuji Newest. I don't think you can get a much better deal for the money...but that's just me.
"Road bikes" come in such a vast array of varieties, construction materials, geometries, components, etc. that it's hard to make a generalization such as "road bikes have fragile construction".
The real answer is: it depends.
Look around, and you'll find some that are light as air with tires that are 20 or thinner, with zero attach points for anything practical and an a$$ hatchet of a saddle. Next to it you'll find a road bike that's a bit sturdier, with 25-28 tires, and attach points for racks and fenders...and it's not even a "cyclocross" bike.
Check out the newest though...I'm quite pleased with Fuji bikes.
However, I don't like their new Absolute. I think they took what was a good flat bar roadie and totally destroyed it this year. If you're stuck on flat bars, maybe look into the Specialized Sirrus Sport.
__________________
Good night...and good luck