On the other hand....

I started looking at bikes when I was at 265 lbs, and purchased a Specialized Sirrus Limited at 240. When I reached 215, I was tired of getting beat up by the 23mm tires on the Limited, and traded it for a Specialized Crux. It sports 35mm tires, canti brakes, a drop bar, fairly quick geometry. I absolutely love it as my "all arounder". It's a great fitness bike, and does extremely well as a commuter/city bike with a messenger bag, handlebar bag, and/or seatpost rack. It's definitely strong enough for my current 200 lbs, and I'm confident it would hold me well even when I was 240 (but the pounds keep sliding off by riding four times a week). My Crux has Shimano 105 (love it!), and other mid-grade components and is a fine ride.