I think CF bikes are cool....for those with deep pockets.

That ain't you, from the sound of it.

I either find that 200-300 dollar old UJB and bank the rest. and, believe it or not, you can race old steel bikes. it might knock you down a group, but so what. and think of the satisfaction you'd feel dropping lesser riders on their 5000 dollar CF rides.

as for your not having a bike stolen yet, consider the fact that you are thinking of buying much more effective thief bait.

and if you think 15 minutes is not enough time for a good bike thief to make off with it, think again. also think of the limitations a 15 minute limit puts on you.

buy that high quality 300 dollar UJB and spend a little of the rest on gear and bank most of it. you'll find other things to blow money on, trust me.

now go find a decent job so you can buy one of them fancy CF rigs.