Like you, I have about a 20 year gap between bikes. I like to ride fast and there are a few hills around where I live, so I find myself mashing or spinning quite a bit. On flat roads the bike is great and I cruise about 16mph. I'm looking into a 3 speed hub too just for some more variety. I'd buy a complete wheel so I can switch back if I want to. I tries riding fixed once (for S & giggles) and found it uncomfortable, plus I'm not a fan of toe straps.