Originally Posted by FormerFF

I've just committed to entering an international distance (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10 k run) triathlon next spring. My boss, who's a big time triathlete, tells me I need to replace my '84 Trek 610 with something up to date. I rode it in a sprint distance tri (400m swim, 20k bike, 5 k run) last year and did fine, but that was against a bunch of first timers. Both he and my wife think I need some up to date piece of plastrickery for this, but I'm not so sure. On one hand, it would be nice to have indexed shifting, and a shorter low gear, but I'm not seeing that I'd gain that much by spending the money on a new ride. He keeps telling me that I'll be a lot fresher for the run, and I suspect he knows what he's talking about, but would like to get some other opinions. Anyone care to share your experiences on a new vs. a vintage ride, performance wise? The course I'll be riding is somewhat hilly.