any of the big guys are fine - felt (not really a big guy but good), trek, cannondale, giant, etc. there are dozens of great brands out there and many in your price range. it just comes down to what you want. when looking in the 2k range chances are it's not going to self-destruct in your garage any time soon. in that price range look more at the bits handing off the bike than the frame itself.
you can probably find an ulterga equipped bike, 105 at worst - 105 is more than good enough but ultegra is just nicer.
biggest thing is to get a bike that actually fits you. if you get one that does not it will be like your personal torture chamber on long rides. took me a long time get over chasing different brands 'cause everyone thought they were cool before actually getting to a good shop, having a "fit kit" done, and establishing what i needed in the way dimentions and geometry. taking that info i could narrow down who made frames that worked for me and them make a smart decision as to what to get. Find a good shop and have a fit kit done - it will probably cost you like $75 and typically they refund it if you buy a bike from them.
i rode cannondales most of my life, with an odd specilized, litespeed, bianchi tossed in. current bike is a merlin proteus, it's the most comfortable and nicest bike i've ever owned. it's really a work of art on wheels and it rides, excellerates and tracks so damn well that it's almost magical. took me like 25 years of riding and racing road bikes to figure it out
also budget for gear (yes here too), you will need cycling shoes (and most bikes are priced without pedals btw), a few pairs of good shorts, jerseys, gloves, helmet, and other little crap like a trip computer, hr monitor (maybe), water bottles, cages, seat bag, and tools and inflation crap for it.
Hope you're not looking for a cheap hobby
