Race what ya got IMO. Especially for your first season. There is nothing wrong with the bike you have for racing crits. Is it the 100% totally optimized, ideal bike for crits? Probably not. But absolutely sufficient. It wont hold you back, unless perhaps you see yourself jumping straight into the p/1/2 races and contending podiums.
Just buy a great set of tires and sign up for a couple races, THEN start wondering about whether you need a new bike IMO.
yes, the frame rides rough, no on the resale value.
I keep track of any second hand allez sprint discs, if its priced anything less than 80% of its original value, it’ll be snapped up within the week or even a day.
I wouldnt worry about the resale value of any any allez sprint discs or caad13’s as it seems like a default choice for a great entry level do anything bike. I would wholeheartedly recommend one to anyone looking for a new bike if they’re starting to get into cycling or just want a disc brake bike in general for racing.
Disc brakes + 30 mm tire clearance + ability to swap between electronic or mechanical drivetrain = future proof option
Think the government just changed the limit on the bike to work schemes. The reasoning is that you should be allowed to buy ebikes and trikes, especially if you have special needs.
But yeah, imagine spending £5k on a bike with electronic shifting, that you’ll then ride mostly indoors in erg mode…
“Comfort” is related to fit. Find the one that fits you best. I have an SL6 now and formerly had an Allez Sprint. I found the Allez Sprint to be more “comfortable” because it fit me much better. If you like to be forward and low then the Allez Sprint can be the most comfortable bike you’ve ever ridden.
Something to bear in mind when you’re thinking of a bike to ride indoors most of the time is component wear. I’m less bothered about the frame on the trainer these days, but things like alloy bars, shifters, derailleurs, cockpit and seatpost bolts all get a hard time with sweat. As does the front wheel.
With it being the cycle to work scheme, saving some of your budget and using it for a second, cheap trainer bike isn’t really a viable option. However, a dedicated trainer bike with cheap components is a sensible option. You could replace the whole bike for the cost of a set of Di2 shifters…
Also worthwhile looking at doing through finance rather than cycle to work as bike shop won’t tend to allow you to purchase bikes which are already discounted Merlin have the Felt Fr Di2 over 50% £2000 + interest is a bargain.