phread59

I'd look at the Specialized Rubaix(carbon),Secteur(aluminum) and the Trek Domaine. Also give the Giant Deffy a spin as well as a Felt Z series. These are "Plush" bikes. Ment to hop on and ride long distances. Carbon frames can be expensive. But they are dropping the prices. So don't be afraid to look and see if you can find a deal. They would be a great ride for you.

Keep the MTB for the trails. I do exactly this. I have an old Trek 4900 I use for trails. I will get a cross type bike eventually. But that's a year or so down the road. Pick something and ride the hell out of it.

BTW we like pictures. So when you do end up with a bike we would love to see it.

Mark Shuman

Notgrownup

The Giant Defy 10Wheels showed you on the 3rd post is something to consider as a entry level bike... the Specialized Secteut or Cannondale Synapse or others in the Endurance give you a light bike at entry level prices with decent components...I paid $625 for my CAAD8 and it is smooth after 650 miles...I am amazed at how quiet and smooth it is even after questioning the (low end or entry level) Components but every time i get on it it is smooth....My next upgrade will be an upgrade...Maybe i missed what your budget will be but shop around... Make sure you fit the bike or the bike fits you...I was too hasty in my purchase and ended up with a bike that is too small but will live with it for now...Performance bike is a great place to go to shop...Check around you area and be sure to look at last years models at discounted prices...they want to get rid of them....Plan your purchase well...
Seems like all 3 bikes you showed in your first posts are Hybrids... I got a Quick 5 as my 1st bike and 1 month later i was trading it for the CAAD8 and it's a lot better, the many bore bar position is way better to me than the Hybrid was...

By the way...6'1" 245 lbs... I have a 56cm CAAD8 and it's too small, i need to be on a 58cm or maybe a 60cm...Choose wisely.

FrenchFit 

Below are my bikes (most of them) all of which were bought used or at severe discounts, or built from scratch. That is your best bang for your buck, my FC Roubaix was $1500 below the retail price and in mint condition - it took all of two weeks to find it. I don't understand the allure of the "new" bike, it's going to drop 30% in value the first week and it has no upgrades or the necessary tweaks.

If I were you I'd find my a good CX used (Cyclocross) bike as other have recommended, CL, eBay, used at a LBS, whatever, and transition into road biking. They are the swiss army knives of road biking, you can trick them up with fenders, big tires, racks, or slim them down with light weight wheelset & components and ride fast, climb hills.