I got a Felt Z80 on closeout last August ($650).. I was 230 at the time.. I've hovered around 210 for awhile and have had not issues with the bike.. I've even hopped a couple of curbs in a pinch.. I don't mind the 700x23 tires, I keep the rear at 125 and the front at 115. Great bike, shifts nice and it's fast. I also have an old Rockhopper that I road for years at 260+, even jumps and such. No issues from that one either.. I've done some mods on that recently, but the bike is solid.

I have a friend that I work with who just bought a Raleigh road bike for about $500 at a LBS.. I think it was Sora for the brifters and derailers.. Steel bike, and he loves it.

Good luck,

LB