First Race Bike confusion!

Nothing wrong with Cubes, the Agree for example is a good bike.

London-wise, you should be within reasonable distance of Sigma Sport, who are highly regarded.

If you're interested in learning more yourself (in order to better understand the implications of the bike fitting information you receive), you could do a lot worse than reading this:

http://www.cervelo.com/en/engineering/thinking-and-processes/geometry-an...

Once you understand it, and you've got info to show what measurements you need, you can shop around by looking at the geometry charts on bike websites and narrowing down which ones are worth a look. Then you look for local stockists of those brands, assess which ones are helpful, and you'll be well on your way.

Or, if that just sounds geeky, just get the bike fit, let them recommend a bike, then pick the fastest-looking colour! There aren't many bad bikes at that price anyway.

Just looking at your profile, it says London.

So have a check here for bike fitting places

http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/bike-fitting-in-london/

If can work out cheaper if you contact them, say you are looking at buying a new road bike, they can do the fit and knock a little of the price of a bike if you buy with them

Quite a lot of "Womens" bikes these days are just mens bikes with a different paint scheme, if you find a bike that fits you best, get that!
If you're comfortable you will be faster!

I should also say that my bike is not female specific geometry and I am no giant at 5'5".

When I was looking for a carbon bike I quickly came to the conclusion that whatever the bike shop owner rode was the best bike that they could recommend I sickened myself, after months (and after trying approx 5 perfect bikes) I found a bike that I love riding. I paid the money for a bike fit and it was well worth it.

As others have said, do your research, narrow down the list based on what your priorities and budget are and try out the bikes.

No real experience of racing as I ride for transport and fun. That said as previously said. Get a bike fit well worth the money before throwing serious money at a bike and go to a shop and try before you buy. Also ignore branding and gender specific frames. If it works for you then its fine

Its ok listening to recommendations. But unless you get your hands on all of those models and try them out, you won't know.

FIRST things first, if you are looking at becoming a total roadie. GET a bike fit done. You will get the dimensions that are the best fit for you, then compare them to different bikes. A woman's specific frame might not be right at all.

I cannot give any more advice on your problem, because its a hard one. But get a bike fit before going any further.