You're my size...I ride road bikes with no problem. Decent wheelset and you're golden.
If you are looking to do some road cycling and want something that can also take wider tires, fenders, etc, in case you want to do xcross or light touring or commuting, try a Bianchi Volpe, which is in the $8-900 range new. But like others have said, shop your local bike shops and test ride till you find something that suits your fancy and fits your budget.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey