Read your 1st post and 2 replies, but nobody else's opinion.
Bang for buck for amateur racer - who wants to 'be there at the sprint for home' = a stiff Al frame (replaceable der hanger) with 105 level components and tubular wheels/tires (and they don't have to be super-expensive, nor even CF wheels but $$$$$ tires). Then make a comfortable cockpit with your favorite bars&wrap, post, saddle, shoes/cleats.
Stiff & reliable bikes win the races given equal strength, speed, endurance and willingness to suffer. Cunning and a good partner or 2 can help make a difference.
What did a former great racer say about training, never getting easier only faster - or something similar.
edit: great racers occasionally crash, thus the lack of premium on frameset+components. Maybe Ultegra level components for a careful racer who never expects to mix it up in the corners or on sprints
re-edit after reading the thread.
a coach or two can help hugely - nutrition, training, racing, motivation.
a training partner equal or better than yourself = helpful
racing experience and learning power pacing = helpful
frame/fork/non-rotating component weight is secondary.to sensibly lightweight wheels/tires and possibly shoes/cleats.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 02-12-20 at 01:26 PM.