I realized that there is a BIG difference between the 1000 dollar bikes and the 1400-1600 Bikes (bigger than between the 600 bikes to the 1000 bikes).
Trek Soho, Specialized Sirrus Sport Disc and Jamis Koda may be the way I will go. Just will have to wait 'til the budget goes to 1500-1600 instead of 900-1000.
Thank you again for all feedback. I am considering buying the "blue book", a bike stand and start learning more about bike's anatomy. After taking Advanced Neuro Anatomy (all about "wiring") and Oral and maxillo Facial Surgery (disassemblying and putting things back together better than before) it can't be THAT HARD.