Road Cycling - help-New to road cycling - which bike

Just moved to houston, tx, so no mtn biking
looking to get into road riding, no idea what bike to get
fairly big guy (6'3" 215lb) and have bent some tires and stripped my cassette in the past
any recs on bike\brands to get in the $1500 range?
i am familiar with the big name brands (trek, specialized, giant, etc). what about the more obscure (to me) brands?
components?
please help

If you don't get a response, it's cuz everyone's burned out from repeating the same info... read the many other threads on the same topic, then come back with specific questions.

Don't have too many specific brands, but I would look at steel vs. Al and carbon primarily for durability and comfort.

Well, LeMond and Bianchi come to mind ... I sure there are a million others. Look for something used for a better value? Find a bike that someone raod for a year and wants to sell and get it for half of MSRP. Depreciation on a year old bike is incredible.

I'm your height, but a little heavier than you and I could recommend a bike for you, but it will be a bit over you range.

http://www.bicycleblowouts.com/jamis.htm

Take a look at the 2002 Jamis Eclipse.
Full Ultegra.
853 Steel frame.
Ksyrium SSC SL wheels.

One sweet ride. I should know. I own one!

thanks to all for your advice

I'm brand new to road, and I just bought a Trek 2100. I fell in love on the test-ride, and havent looked back. I would highly reccomend giving this bike some attention in your search.