In The Market For A New Bike

Have you considered looking on ebay or craigslist for a nice used bike?

I definately agree with the above poster. Check out craigslist for some good local deals. With some patience and a little luck you can probably find a brand name bike with some quailty components within your price range.  Plus no shipping costs and you can actually ride it before you buy it. Good luck!

If you want a good bike, then neither A or B... sorry, but those will not be very enjoyable...

Stay patient and keep you eyes open for a used bike. You should be able to find a good, aluminum frame with decent components for $250. Not going to lie, it will take time (unless you're just really lucky)

I almost made the mistake of ordering offline. Notice the bikes wont come assembled for cheaper shipping. If you know how to put a bike together go for it otherwise craigslist is your friend.

So I found a GT ZR 5.0 road bike. Is that any good?

At first glance, no.  That doesn't look like a good bike.

Search the classifieds, and try to find something with at least Shimano 105 components.  That'll be an indication that it's a quality bike.

Also, size is very important. 

Competitive cyclist has an app where you can enter your measurements, and it'll tell you your appropriate frame size.  The top tube length is the size you should be looking for. (e.g. If it says 54, you want a 54 bike).

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

I bought the second one you have listed, the Schwinn 700. It has worked perfect for me. Took very little to put together and has been very dependable. When I get more into this or more money available, I will probably upgrade, but for now, I am making improvements with what I have.
Reviews were great on it and so far mine has been.

All of the bikes you have listed are better than the one you have now. 

I remember being a poor college student so I would go with first what you can afford and then try to make the other things fit into the budget.

Size, components etc...  My first bike was a cheap one.  It got the job done for a little while and then I started wanted something better.

There are a lot of people out there with bikes hanging in garages... you just have to wait for them to appear on ebay and craigs... if you cant wait (I am an impatient person) then jump on one you can afford now and get started.  Just know up front it is a temporary first bike and start saving that beer money (or some of it anyway)