+1 Yung...perfectly stated. Steel bikes might have peaked then, from a certain perspective, and aesthetic value may have peaked...but brifters have their place, as does carbon fiber. The place carbon fiber has isn't what I want, but I'm not a racer. Titanium certainly improved from 85', and I do love my ti. I think anyone who has ridden conventional canti's from 85' and compares them favorably to v-brakes is clinically insane. Clinchers, tires and brake pads are also all miles ahead of where we were in 85' as well.