Those bikes are both what's known as hybrids, and would probably not be anyone's first choice for 80 mile rides. Both are probably fairly heavy; both have suspension forks and seatposts, which are features that mostly just add weight and are designed for people more interested in super-comfortable short rides around town.
They both have the larger wheels of a road bike (road bike wheels are 700c, mountain bike wheels are 26 inches) and gearing typically associated with touring bikes (big chainring in the front is 48 teeth...)
Swapping handlebars wouldn't be that easy. You'd also have to get new shifters and brake levers. And you'd still have the upright geometry of the hybrid frame.
It sounds like you really are looking for a road bike, and if you are willing to spend $300, then you ought to be able to find one used in that price range eventually.