I'm in the process of figuring out what steel road bike I would like to buy for myself this summer.
I'm in my 60's and haven't had a road bike for 20 years. I do most of my riding with an old mountain bike I hybridized. I'm over 6 feet tall and 230 lbs. I do 90% of my riding on rural highway roads and would probably put a rack on my bike to carry a few grocery items. 10% of my riding would be around town.
Being an older guy, comfort is a more important criteria than it was when I was a young man.
I'm not very informed, generally speaking, to make an expert decision on this bike purchase, thus I'm looking for that expertise here.

1. I'm looking to spend somewhere between $1200 and $1700.
2. I would probably prefer a relaxed geometry design with a more upright riding position. Probably run 28's or 32"s for tires.

3. I want a steel frame but was wondering if the addition of a carbon fiber fork might be a good idea. What are the pros and cons of steel or CF forks?
4. I would like to purchase a bike from an area bike shop....this would include the Seattle area although I live up on the Olympic Penninsula.
5. On my list of possible bikes to consider are the Surly Pacer near the $1200 level and the Jamis Quest up at the $1700 level. I would appreciate any comments on these two bikes. Also, any other bikes in my price range that I might want to consider?
6. Would a touring bike like a Jamis Aurora or a cylocross bike like the Surly Cross Check be a more comfortable bike for me than the ones I am considering?

Thanks ahead of time for any information or suggestions offered up.

John