Currently on a hybrid and looking to make the leap to a road bike, I am looking at steel bikes in the sub $1500 range. I am looking at steel for 2 reasons, ride quality for the crappy roads around me, and durability since I have been known to treat things pretty rough. I have 2 bikes in mind:

1 - Fairdale Weekender Drop
- Can be had for $1250 which leaves some money for pedals/shoes etc
- 1x10 drivetrain, I'm pretty sure I could get away with this, but it does lack higher gearing.
- Mech disc brakes, actually felt pretty solid on test ride.
- Less road oriented tires
- I really dig the look of this bike!

2 - Surly Pacer
- 105 drivetrain
- More road oriented
- Not the prettiest bike, but I could live with it

What say you? Any others in this price range I should be considering?