My new build is pretty high-end. I am saving as much money as possible on this build by using last year's frame and last year's gruppo. Also the wheels are used. I am under $5k, but not by much. It's pretty kick-ass though. I'm not sure if it could be improved by much, maybe a couple of pounds. At the moment it is in the 15 pound range. It is doubtful that it would double the cost to get it to the UCI limit.

I do all my own work on the bikes though, so that is a cost savings. $3k can get you a really nice bike if you do your own work, but it would be tough to make it strong, light and aero.