Time for a new (not new) road bike - help me choose!

I'm finally back to covering 200km+ distance each week after a couple of years on and off the bike. All my road bikes were stolen in 2015, so I've been kicking around on a Dolan Prefessio since then. It's a decent bike, but I'm ready for something else more racey and less bone shaking which the below would offer.

I'm based in Wexford, Ireland where the roads are shite. Great set of hills to train on but the local roads are falling apart, so the Dolan and it's ridiculously harsh ride is getting annoying. I've owned plenty of bikes over the years, but can't say I'm familiar with the exact models below. The geometry's are great (the Defy is slacker, but no issue there with my calcs). I was originally intending to spend more on a newer bike, but these seem like a huge amount of bang for the buck. I'll throw on 28mm tyres on the bikes below for a little more comfort.

All are Ultegra (latter being 6700), Felt has the best wheelset (by far) and componentry. I will be buying a tubeless wheelset in due course too. All seem like great bikes, well worth their money - what would you recommend and why?

Specialized Tarmac Comp SL4 2015
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Tarmac-Comp-SL4-2015-61cm/192513607090?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Felt F4 2015
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Felt-F4-Road-Bike-Full-Carbon-58cm/263659306920?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Giant Defy 1 2012
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-Defy-1-composite-road-bike-XL/153013691542?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

If you plan to ride in bad roads get something that can clear at least 28c tires. Does a lot more difference than frame material, really

more racey and less bone shaking

How do you think a more aggressive frame is going to be more comfortable?

Carbon isn't automatically comfier than alloy.
If you're not racing, I'd be looking at disc brakes and 32c. I promise you it won't be any slower

I used to have a Felt F4, was great. They offer pretty good value and with those wheels even better.
I’d check the geometry as I’m not sure a F4 in a 58 is the same as a Tarmac 61.
I’m 6’3” and had the XL 60 or 61 F4

Fully aware of that. The Dolan shares a racey geometry which I like to be honest

what would you recommend and why?

Not an old, used bike from eBay that probably won't clear a 28mm tyre on a modern rim :)

Arkose?

I've read very mixed reviews, but as a relaxed bike it should do the trick

It may be a bit too relaxed if what you like is race bikes. I'd go for a CAAD 12 with discs and put the biggest tires I could fit

Got 28s on mine and it’s a fantastic bike. Best frame I’ve ever ridden in fact

Good to hear! One my size going for £500 Arkose 4 that is; would want to replace the wheelset

Saying that a thru axle up front and qr on the back is a no go. I'll keep searching for something to come up more around this style

I have an F5 felt cracking bike even with 105 gearset, but I'm not sure if a 28mm tyre would fit on the back. If I did it would be a really tight fit.

Saying that a thru axle up front and qr on the back is a no go. I'll keep searching for something to come up more around this style

@coldharbour makes Isens this way.

If I remember correctly, it's because front thru-axle standards have settled down, whereas it's still undecided at the rear.

Swappable endcaps make short work of differing standards for your front and rear wheels. DT Swiss for example, are about £35 a set.

Lots of MTBs are still like this too aren't they. Thru axle also much less necessary on the rear.

Lots of MTBs are still like this too aren't they

On a multi pivot full suspension frame, it's useful to have the extra stiffness of a 12mm through axle. On a rigid/hardtail frame, not nearly so much.

Decided to take a cheap temporary option with the purchase of a Trek Domane AL3 for £250. New Sora kit throughout and it will be interesting to see how the ride is with 28mm tubeless and a canyon style seat post.

As I'll be between Ireland and the UK over the next couple of months I can test out a perfect fit bike. Have my kit list requirements now, so will continue the search in due course. Interested to see how a basic alu frame works against a more aggressively orientated build on the Dolan!