You are going about it the right way. Put another way, I have personally gone about a lot of things in life just exactly bass ackwards -- bicycling included. So if I had it to do over on bicycling, I would approach it exactly as you are doing.

Get a read on what frame size, reach, and other subtle fit factors are right for you, and then shop bikes that will fit you within your budget. If the fitment is right, any one of a half dozen models in the $800 range could be your steed of choice.

Personally, I think the Giant Defy is a great bike. But I'm biased towards the brand.

Be sure and come back and let us know what you do!