Bike Consideration .. to change or not to change

I  moved to a carbon frame last year, after three seasons on my aluminium bike with a triple chainring.  My new bike has a compact double setup and campagnolo shifting, so it is quite different.  However, the biggest difference was the comfort from the carbon.  It absorbs a lot more bumps from the road, therefore making the long rides much more tolerable.  With my old bike, after 70+ miles on not-great roads, I would feel "shattered" in my upper body, and was used to bracing my arms for every bump I saw.  Now, on the carbon (my beloved Pinarello) it is not an issue.  I love being able to just go and go and go and not feel like I am destroyed by the end.  Tired, yes, but that is from hours riding, not from bumps.  I am picking my bike up at the shop today, I changed to a standard double chainring and new rear cassette to give me more power and efficiency.  Yay!  It doesn't hurt to hear all the compliments on my gorgeous bike, too! 

It sounds to me like your current bike is suiting you just fine.  I don't know what distances you are racing, but I did a HIM on each of my bikes, and was much happier on the carbon.  Of course, I'd ridden a lot more miles before that race, too.... but... I really felt good coming off the bike and getting into the run, whereas the previous year I was ready to die coming off the bike!  Different courses, etc.... but that's my two cents.  You might, for fun, go test ride different carbon frames and see if there is a noticable difference.  You may find it isn't something you need to spend your money on now, or you may have an aha moment.....   Good luck!

There is certainly a mental component to buying a carbon bike that a lot of people discredit or do not talk about. I can tell you that after purchasing a carbon bike I was much more inclined to get my moneys worth out of it (IE ride more because the bike cost quite a bit / do higher mileage rides to test the carbons ability to keep me going). It definitely gives you the sense that you are an enthusiast and that you take the sport seriously. Whether or not spending the money to make yourself feel better about yourself is worth it is up to you. The reviews and science behind carbon fiber are clearly there. I can tell you, however, that the heaviest and slowest aspect of your bike is yourself and finding a way to get into a more aero position will yield the greatest results by far.

BTW - Your component set is pretty good so maybe I would look into buying a used carbon frame and moving everything over if possible?