I'm buying a new bicycle (road bike) need expert advice!?

[DodoC]

seasoned cyclist and experts, I've been a serious runner for quite a few years now. Recently, I thought of taking up cycling as cross training to give my knees and feet a break from the constant pounding of running. I'll be putting in around 20-30 miles a day at least 2-3 times a week. I'm 24, standing at 6' and around 165 lbs +/- 2.

As per advice of different bike forums, I went to a few bike shops around the area and told them the exact same, and got so many different responses as to what bike would be right for me...

I've been told the following bikes are right for me:

Trek: 1.5, 2.1, 7.6, 7.9
Specialized: Sequoia elite, roubaix elite compact, comp compact, elite c2, tarmac elite, tarmac compact etc....

It is so confusing, they all look the same to me except for the paint jobs
and no one at the shop has been able tell the difference in detail other than weight/frame i.e aluminum, carbon etc.

I would really appreciate it if any seasoned bikers would be able to shed some light onto components/technical specs I should look into for the kind of workout I require.

I want to buy a bike that with the passage of time, If I enjoy it as much as running, I won't have to upgrade it anytime soon.

my budget is $1700 for the bike and $300 for gear/accessories.

 

[spandex]

First off any bike will do. Remember a bicycle is a machine built from Components from other companies. You can take take decal off any bike put it on another and will be that bike. First choose the shifting system you want(Shimano Tigra, Ultegra, 105, or Sora. Sram, Compy, and or Suntour if available) Second check braking systems(Shimano or kelty) Third change your saddle(Stock saddles suck because their put on that bike for test rides) forth choose your pedal system(Look,Time,Speedplay, or Shimano SPD) because most bikes don't come with pedals. and fifth and last change your rims because most rims on bikes built today are Alex rims(Cheap!) Mavic or Velocity are what most cyclist swear by ! Good luck in choosing and if i can also give another recommendation:Seven Cycles "Custom Built For You"!