I've been looking myself for a great road bike in the $2500 range (or less). I used to be 5'11", now 5' 10 1/2". I will gladly give up 5-10 seconds over 25 miles to have more comfort, especially my back. The machines that look most promising to me are: Specialized Roubaix Elite, Giant Defy Composite 1, Cannondale Synapse, Velovie Vittese 300, Colnago ACE, and Pinnerala Rahza, Trek Dommane. There are others, but these look promising to me for overall ride quality and performance.