Duuude... CRX is a flat bar road bike. That's like a short distance commuter. He's talking two possibly fit/active individuals, with some racing experience that may get the bug again...

Pure drop bar roadie is definitely on the table.

Cannondale CAAD10 w/ 105 or Specialized Allez w/ 105 would be my prime picks for the OP's budget/situation. Very high quality road/race geometry bikes.

Something a little more road/comfort oriented would be the Cannondale Synapse or Specialized Secteur.

Most major bike manufacturer's have a road/race family of bikes and a road/comfort(endurance) family of bikes. Difference is geometry profiles differing in head tube steepness, head tube height, wheel base, etc.

Sora 8sp, Tiagra 9sp, and 105/ultegra/DA and up is 10speed. Big durability/quality feel jump at 105 and you'll have the best compatibility and parts availability going forward if you can swing at least 10sp.

SRAM has a big following now days and has developed a good report with many here. Starting to see more and more bikes with their stuff, and hear a lot of good.