salesman

I just sold my hybrid so I would have some $$$ for a road bike. My budget in under $1000.00. I will be riding road only...centuries for charity, ect.

So...do I go the new route with an entry model for $800ish, find a used "newer" bike for $5-600, or a vintage (1980's) for a couple of hundred?

I plan on riding my ass off as this has become a passion (though I'm a newbie) of mine.

Frankly, I love the look of the older bikes. Is the diffence from vintage to new night and day?

Thanks.

mazdaspeed

Nothing wrong with a good vintage bike. In fact, many of them will be lighter and more durable than a new entry level bike. The only problem with going vintage is that most of them will need a lot of work, and some modification. Rarely is a vintage road bike a hop on and ride kind of thing. You will also, of course, be dealing with older technology like downtube shifters, etc... which aren't necessarily bad, but not for everybody. If you want an older bike go ahead and get one. There's a reason they have a following. As far as the difference between old and new, it's not night and day, it's more like apples to oranges. Personally I would take a high end vintage bike over a new entry level bike any day.

javal

To us who rides different bikes theres no better feeling than in a well taken care of vintage bike. I do longer sportives (and been riding for quite a while) and I cant say a new bike could make me any better. A vintage bike/frame of right brand were indeed engineered to enhance riding, and the extra weight (compared to newer bikes) will only make you strong. An older frame can be built up as you get into the sport. If you dont get into it, I´m sure you´ll get your money back flippin´it. New bikes has comfort, but wont beat the feeling of a true vintage.

datlas 

I advise that whatever you buy, make sure IT FITS PROPERLY.

That said, based on what you stated I would shop around for a new entry level bike with carbon fork, aluminum frame, and tiagra components.

RoboIsGod

Yeah I'll throw in my vote for something 'vintage'.
With something modern, for under $1000 you'll probably end up with low end parts and crummy wheels.
If you get something from the late 80's/early 90's you can get something mid-high end with lots of opportunities to upgrade. Look for a nice Trek or Schwinn, or something Japanese (Miyata, Panasonic, Bridgestone, Centurion, etc). You can probably find a nice one with Shimano 105 or even 600/Ultegra parts for around $500. With the money leftover you can invest in a proper fitting saddle, handlebars, and new tires/chain etc.

Also, If you do get something vintage, make sure you get something with dual pivot (SLR) brakes. These will perform way better than the older single pivot brakes.

ciocc_cat

I personally prefer the ride qualities of vintage lightweight steel over CF or aluminum, BUT if you lack wrenching skills then you might be better off buying a new or modern used bike bike through your LBS. If you can find something with a decent frame that fits you well and good wheels then you can always upgrade the other stuff later. Regardless, I wouldn't buy a used bike unless I'd personally inspected it - there's good stuff on eBay but there's a lot of junk, too.

salesman

Seems like I came to the right place for info. I thank you all very much.