I ride a cheap China-bike with Shimano 105 gear. I'm 32 years old, been pedaling since March 1st and currently averaging 17.8mph over 70 miles with about 1800' elevation gain; I was an incredulous smoker with miserable cardiovascular strength when I started. I've been thinking about a higher quality frame in a Cervelo R3 (105) or Specialized Tarmac SL4 (Ultegra). I pedal about 180-200 miles per week. Do most people who upgrade in my scenario feel they get $3000 worth of performance increase? What makes the expensive bike ride so much better? I know my bike is probably rough, lacks rigidity, and pathetic, but I'm uncertain that I'll say to myself, "Man, I'm happy I burned that $3k on a new bike!"