I'm hoovering about 210/6'2 and ride 20/24spoke 50mm carbon rims and they do NOT flex.
$1500 will get you a nice bike with shimano 105's in carbon or alum frame made by all of the big and little guys out there. Shop around and test ride as many bike as you can farther then just a parking lot. There are allot of 2012 stock still around and selling for 20-40% off.
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Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.