Originally Posted by
bikemig
Given that you are concerned about crappy roads, make sure that you get a bike that can take a 28c tire or even something a bit wider. Tire size is a big deal. A little bigger tire will mean that your wheels will hold up better, your bottom will be happier, and flats will be easier to fix. So look for a bike that takes what is called a long reach sidepull. The pacer you mentioned takes a longer reach sidepull. Cross bikes can take fat tires and typically use cantilever brakes. Frankly you can't go wrong with a cross bike and that would be my first choice. In any case, I'd worry more about the tire size than "new" versus "old" steel.
Your advice is right on for someone who has expressed the desire for a rough roads bike, a commuter bike, maybe even a bike to carry some goods, but I don't think it would properly serve OP's stated purpose of a go-fast racing type bike. As I understand the OP question, he is more interested in a full-on race bike that can accommodate perhaps 25 mm tires at most. Maybe I am misreading the question, but I do believe your suggestion would paint him into a rather esoteric corner of the market, where I don't think he intends to be. OP?