I am in the same boat. Purchased a new Schwinn LeTour for a little over $400 in 1994. Rode it hard for about 2 years and hadn't ridden it until this summer. Put new tubes and tires on and the bike still rides great - I had forgotten how much I had enjoyed riding.

How big of a step up is an '05 Cannondale R500 or an '06 Specialized Allez Triple? Is the difference truly huge? I want to ride next year in a century and maybe join a club - maybe ride a couple of hundred miles a month (or less - no time for more).

I may have asked the question, but I am thinking a R500 or a Allez is a big difference. Don't want to spend over $1000 - would prefer <$800.