Originally Posted by Mountain Mitch

One of the things about drop bars is that many recreational riders seldom, if ever, go down on the drops. Most seem to ride on the hoods. No skin off my nose, but I like to stay in the drops at least half the ride. I find simply getting into the drops automatically increases my speed by about 2km/h without any apparent increase in effort. Rent a few different road bikes and try them out. You may find yourself attracted to cross bikes that can be used on the road or as gravel-chuckers. They are not quite as fast but very stable for a newer rider. They also come with a built in excuse for why you are behind in the group ride: "Well, of course I'm riding my old gravel-chucker!"

I also second the non-steel idea. Try out aluminium and Carbonfibre bikes too. I think you'll enjoy them more than steel in group rides.