When I re-entered cycling 5 years ago I hopped on my trusty Cannondale Black Lightning. What a bike! 7 speeds baby! Light and it looked cool.
One day coming down a chip sealed road I thought I would rattle apart, yet the folks next to me with carbon forks were just fine.
I now ride a Roubaix Expert, and I feel fine with those around me complain about teh road surface.