The Forge Road bike from Target looks like a good deal. It comes with Shimano Sora components and STI shifters for $339. It costs a bit more than $250, but has much nicer components than the lower priced offerings. The only problem might be the limited size it comes in.
http://www.target.com/Forge-1000-Roa...%20bike&page=1
There is a review with pics in the road forum
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ighlight=forge