logdrum

Yeah! I'll never be caught up fully -- it's all about priorities and money. I just started riding my Orbea Alu-Carbon rear triangle frame with a 10 speed Rival and some older generation Zipp 340's. I assembled this myself. I had an 8 speed campy Steel frame, mid nineties with reflex tubulars, so how many generations would that be 5-7?

I guess in some ways I now understand what you guys are talking about , both the pro and cons of a modern race bike. I know in essence Campy, Shim and SRAM are on par with each other

1. 10-speed compact -- The even gearing from 11-17 really works along with the technology in the cassete. Shifts are great
2. Outboard BB -- one tool (or a a crescent wrench if in dire starights (comes with DA anyway) -- no more 3 special tools, a more direct feel too
3. STI/Ergo-Double tap -- much better now. Crisp
4. Integrated headset --- adjustments and assembly are so easy
5. Carbon appointments or a whole frame -- where it make sense, really adds comfort, a static suspension if you will -- This can be good or bad.
6. Aero wheels that are light -- Even 3 mph faster cannot be ignored. And as you get stronger, your upper limit also goes up too. This is really where most of bike technology has really improved. I could just imagine fewer spokes (I have 32's), dimpled surfaces, better hubs and lighter weight. But the cost is what really prevents from most crossing the fence and discovering the world of fast wheels. I am inclined to look for used ROLF Vectors -- durable and aero. Zipps and it's cousins simply make it hard. I got mine cheap but also has some issues. We need a 303/404 type wheel that can take a hammer blow, weight 1200 grams and cost around 700
7. Brakes -- much better this time around
8. Drops -- Anatomic bend is good, shallow bars are good.. OS and flat good to have
9. Pedals -- maybe lighter but my old Shimano 7410 's are still reliable. Notmuch here --

These new bikes EXPOSE your weaknesses though more so than a steelie. Sure 5 mph faster might be easier -- to a point. And this sweet spot is where all the arguments and loathing begin

And not everyone is going to race. However if this new bike technology gets more folks to ride even if it is only at MUP at 14 mph. I am all for it.

I did get my bike paycheck by paycheck -- saving a little bit here and there since December. I enjoyed the process of putting it together, scouring ebay and CL. I think I'll be able to get a steelie or a Tete or ti by the end of the year (already have a force Gruppo) and I'll build the wheels from scratch.

Got a truing stand and trued all the wheels in our house, including 16 inch wheels for BMX pit bikes. Really fun!

rufvelo

Quite the opposite - old steel 531 at 130kms with another 100 to go, plenty of weakness showing.

zacster

I bought a new Chorus equipped bike three years ago, after riding a custom built steel bike from the early 80s until then. That must be about 10 generations of gear. I started by buying a good pair of almost new 9sp wheels and using them with my friction shifters. The difference was amazing, I immediately upped my mph by 1-2 mph on my regular ride. Then I went all out and bought the new carbon bike. It is a totally different experience. The shifting is great, the braking is amazing. climbing is much better. And I sometimes use those same wheels I bought for the other bike, and they still amaze me, these Velomax wheels are better than the Campy wheels. Tires are better too, I rode tubulars back then and today's clinchers are much better than anything available then. Handlebar grip is even better.

Every now and then I get tempted to put the old bike back together and just decide it won't be worth it.

logdrum

My point is that the weakness of the engine, the rider itself. Yeah I really went fast today but only to a point, a lot of $ just to go 3MPH, but then with the new stiff bike I immediately know my posture is not as flexible, not using core muscles to transmit power (my abs hurt for the same effort in HR -- not accurate I know), closer gearin expose cadence pitfalls, descending exposed fears and hesitation, climbing exposed technique and pacing issues. Yeah I went faster but not necessarily rode better. Hard to explain...

I know Water Rockets and other dudes don't care and can go fast on any bike, but for me after that 3-5 mph average speed increase, interms of power and skill, what I lack is pretty obvious. Stiff gives immediate feedback

That said the steelie will be used still but I may get a Rival gruppo on it. Hard to get NOS or slightly used Campy 8 speed anymore.

Anyway my point is I am happy to have upgraded, inspite of my frugal self.