Race bike ideas on a £4.5k budget

[acliffalay]

I’d prioritise aero and handling, so Allez Sprint is an excellent choice (I used to have one).
Deck it out with Sram Red 11/Force 11 and some 1500g carbon wheels and you should be fairly close to 7kg.

I had my Allez Sprint (49cm) at 6.8kg with Sram etap and 52t 1x chainring.

I don’t see the need for disc brakes for a crit bike, adds to cost and maintenance.

I’ve changed my bike fleet a bit, and I’m now building up an early 2000s Principia Alloy frame for my Crit/winter bike with aero forks, aero handlebars, Force CX1 with 54t chainring and Powertap Carbon wheels, should cost me less than £1000 in total.

[RecoveryRide]

Out of interest, did you pick the SRAM groupset up new or s/h?

[jakobhansen888]

@RecoveryRide

@jakobhansen888

OK, I am going to be that guy.

The one that fits you.

Absolutely - hence my suggestion of custom geometry. If you have a competent fitter/builder and a good understanding of your own needs, you will get something which not only fits you like a glove but provides more speed and comfort as well. I’d take 8kg and a perfect fit over 7.5kg and an ok fit any day of the week.

Cue old man memes

100%. My Festka is not the lightest around - but it fits me.

[jakobhansen888]

@RecoveryRide

At least in the UK, most bike insurance comes in different categories (e.g. bronze, silver, etc). It is usually only the top one that covers racing, and you can expect to pay a premium for it. There are several companies that have good reps for paying up in these situations, but the policies are not cheap. YMMV.

Have a look at Pedalcover - have their cover as part of the home insurance.

[acliffalay]

I’ve bought all my groupsets second hand, including eTap and Sram Force 1.

No issues at all.