Hopefully I'll be able to raise the question without starting a fight, but...

I just don't get the whole new-parts-on-an-old(style)-frame thing. I don't think they look particularly good, they only make life easier if you don't maintain your own equipment, and if you wanted your life to be "easier" in the first place you'd drive a car. Plus, Eddy didn't need brifters and he was faster than I am. I guess it just doesn't make sense to me to take an old (style) bike and try to turn it into a new bike, and if manufacturers are trying to trade on the popularity of old bikes why are they putting modern parts on 'em? If I want an old bike, I'll buy an old bike; if I want a new one, I'll buy a new one. It may be that I'm lacking some sort of perspective as a person who only rides for fun, fitness, and historical appreciation and who has never worn spandex in his life, but I'm at a loss. Again, I'm not trying to offend or start a fight but can someone explain the appeal of such things to me?