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Well, I have had my share of bikes, steel, alum, Ti, and carbon. I am a big fan of carbon, but I can be just as fast on an old steel bike that's 30 years old. If I am having an off day, then all bets are off.
For 2k, I suggest you guy new, carbon (remember, I am bias). Take advantage of the sale in the big box store, while I like my local bike shop that cater to boutique race bikes, but there no deal to be had there, so I would steer you away. Wish you were down here, I take you shopping.
I like Shimano or SARM. I've has great luck with my SARM group on my Ridley Democles. Shinamo just works and works. I have both electronic and mechanical shifting. To me, they are both the same. With mechanical ones, its easy to adj your self, but the electronic shifting, there's a bit of a learning curve, but not difficult.
Get a sport / race bike if you want to go fast. IMO, there is no bike that will do it all, not such thing. For 2k, that's a solid bike and will hold up well.
I have a top of the line Trek I raced. I ride it once or twice a year. Yes, the technology has grown so much, only in comfort and feet, but not so much on speed. I think that's till the same.
I buy a Fuji. I think they are the best bang for the buck. I now ride a Time RXRS with elec. shifting, but I were to go racing again, I take my Ridley with mech. shifting. I like the way it feels when I get on the gas. It goes, but not too comfortable, like a stripped out track , if you will.
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