Being north of 260 # I opted for a Trek Verve 2 (for riding upright). After a year's riding (about 2300 mi.) and changing to more durable Wheelmaster Weinman Zac 19 wheels, I decided I wanted a bike with drop bars.

I opted for a touring model for the steel frame, which is designed to take the weight. A Trek 520 or a Novara Randonee (now REI Co Op ADV 1.1) or a Bianchi Volpe were my top choices, I ended up with the Novara Randonee. I have about 6000 mi. on it and after an initial spoke tension calibration upon purchase, the wheels do not even need truing (Mavic 319s). Extremely happy with it. My only gripe is that I would have preferred brifters (the Bianchi Volpe).

You can also choose any endurance or gravel 29er bike. The only catch is that they don't have a triple front chainring. I like my 26F-34R granny gear combination. I can haul my heavy carcass up 14% slopes with the thing.

Good luck. Let us know what you decided.