Classic & Vintage - New vs. "vintage"

Brand new vs. 80's steel.

I have been mixing it up, riding a new Pinarello and DeRosa with Record and 80's bikes with Super Record. This is a pretty accurate comparison, as the bikes both represent the best for their time.

Besides the shifting, the 80's rides are smoother (by a mile) more stable, and more comfortable.

New bike has climbing (gearing and lighter), and acceleration.

I am running Speedplays and Campy Pro-fit pedals on all, so that eliminates that comparison.

Gotta love the older stuff!

Are the new bikes carbon, aluminum, or a combo of both?
What makes are the 80s bikes?
These comparos are always interesting.
In the end, which one do you want for a day long ride?

I think he mean's modern steel vs 80's steel.

I ride a modern Klein Aluminum-Carbon bike & also an 80's steel Guerciotti. I can't say that the steel bike rides any better. I have owned older full Aluminum Kleins & Cannondales that ride like i-beams. The ergonomics of the hoods & bars are better on my newer bike. For me its just a matter of shaking things up on a different bike every once & awhile.

Frame geometry greatly influences one's experience with any particular bicycle. For a fast ride, a sprint, or an intense climb, I'll take my Bianchi, but the Capo is wonderful on a century. (This has nothing to do with the old, erroneous myth that Columbus/CrMo is somehow "stiffer" than Reynolds 531/MnMo, and everything to do with fork rake, chainstay length, main triangle angles, stay thickness, etc.)

Apart from weight, higher-end 70's & 80's steel+Campy bikes ride, handle, and function favorably compared to new bikes and components. They may be a bit more work to maintain as well because of non-sealed bearings and more stuff that can rust.