I was in the same place as you a few months ago. Ended up getting a cross bike but probably could have found a better deal on a road bike. There seem to be a whole lot more of them out there and if you take some time you can most likely find an older model that a shop will cut you a deal on. With cross bike a lot of places won't even stock them so you're not as likely to find that deal. Good luck and make sure you bargain.