[MikeinAlexandria]

Trek and Cannondale make great bikes in a variety of price ranges. Funny, I have an old Cannondale that sounds similar to your Klein... fat aluminum tubes, short criterium style wheel base, etc.

I used to work for a bike store, and honestly, my best advice is go test riding. Ride everything from a $500 bike to about $8000. You might find you want the most expensive bike... or not.

One thing you definitely want is very high quality components. I'm tall too, and have ridden many different bikes. The ones with crappy components broke very easily. Stick with strong, light alloys for the components and things will last alot longer. As for the frame, it has alot to do with fit and your taste. Be sure and get the bike you choose professionally fitted by a reputable bike shop. It sounds like you are planning alot of riding!