Originally Posted by thunderworks

I'm 60 years old and have ridden custom steel bikes for nearly 40 years - mostly race geometry bikes, but a few longer wheel base bikes as well when comfort rather than speed is important, and at this point in life, that's nearly all the time. I've never ridden carbon or titanium bikes. I've been intrigued by modern materials and gear systems (all of mine are 1970's vintage retro Campy stuff), and am curious what experience this group has - specifically, is it possible to ride fast, efficient, modern materials, at the same time adding comfort of the somewhat harsh race bikes I've had experience with. I really prefer the "go-go" type fast bikes, but would love more vibration dampening. Does carbon or titanium offer that? Is this a fool dream that you can get it both ways?

I'm curious what experience you've all had.

BTW, I'm a small person (weigh 128lbs, 5'6") if that makes any difference to any of you.

R.