I've been looking at comfort road bikes, although for different reasons. I don't race, but want to be able to comfortably do group rides and centuries. I also have a beautiful, but very rough, road (the Colonial Parkway) a couple miles from my house that I want to be able to use without knocking my fillings out. The first bike I bought (last year) was a hybrid, primarily for the suspension on that road.

I test road a 1000C and thought it was comfortable---much more of a road bike than my hybrid, but not as stretched out as other models. The suspension kept it remarkably smooth. However, I'm waiting for my LBS to get a 2100C in stock, because I'd much rather have that. A much better bike that, among other things, replaces the suspension seatpost with a suspension seat stay.

Really, though, I'm hoping the LBS will also have a Pilot 5.0 and a Klein Reve in for me to try before I make my final decision. For what you're looking for, it sounds like the Pilots might be the right idea. (Of course they're about twice your target price.)

Bruce