Some background first. I ride a MTB and am looking for a road bike, but not just "A" road bike but one that I can ride daily for fitness, commute for errands, and will pull light touring duty (nothing more than a couple nights). I'm a Clyde, tipping the scales at 296 at 6'2", but am loosing weight as we speak. What I am wanting is some opinions on the Trek Portland. The portland and the FX line were suggested to me by my LBS as the best for what I am wanting. I am wondering if this bike will fill the fitness/commuter/tourer. My LBSs carry Trek, Felt, Specialized, Cannondale, and Jamis (I think, two different stores). The Trek/Felt Dealer doesn't have one and although I haven't talked to him about it yet, I think I would have to purchase before he got one in, so I "think" no test riding. That might not be a bad thing, I don't know too much about bikes (gearing and such), I can fix them (really mechanically inclined), I might be able to build one if I sat down with all the parts (probably couldn't order all the right parts without suggestions), bottom line unless I ride several different bikes I might not know what I am missing.

Bottom line questions:
Is the Trek Portland going to meet my want in a fitness/commuter/tourer?

Its there a better bike in the Trek, Felt, Specialized, Cannondale or Jamis line if I stay local?

Would I be better off going to Austin or San Antonio Texas and riding several different bikes or trying other brands? (4 hour minimum drive to either)

I have a budget of 2k if that helps maybe more if I squeezed hard enough and could justify the more expensive purchase.

Thanks for your opinions and suggestions, Cody.