I’M a former roadie who raced, 15 years, until last summer when I transitioned to running full time.
My thoughts;
- Avoid “entry level” carbon frames in off the shelf builds. The big bike brands all skimp on the wheel sets and component packages to scale the price to their range.
- Instead go for a mid to higher alloy frame complete with AT LEAST a Shimano 105 group set. You are going to get full Ultegra in your price range and forgot anything Dura-ace. A mif to high end alloy frame set will be a more solid frame set overall than a cheaper carbon, the entire bike will be MUCH better.
- Look at last season’s models for big discounts, Cannondale is very good about this on their site.
- a good wheelset isn’t what is going to give you the best ride for the buck, not the frames. Entry level bikes have trash wheel sets. If you buy a last season alloy frameset you will have some left over for a ok wheelset. Spend as much as you can here. Wheels are your number one upgrade.... then tires. Decent wheels with good tires are optimal, shitty wheels with good tires are ok, shitty wheels and shitty tires (like what you will find on a $2500 carbon complete) are trash, you might as well just stay running.
- rim vs disc brakes for road bikes...doesn’t matter for you as an entry level rider... but if you can find it in your price range buy disc brakes for the future proofing of it.
- of the four frame types out there; climbing = Lightweight/stiff, aero = aero/harsh, endurance = comfy, gravel = new hybrid.... You probably are going to find primarily endurance in your price range, which will be fine for you.
Hope this helps.