Hi all
I'm new to the forum but it looks to be quite active and I have a bit of a dilemma and am looking for some advice from more knowledgeable folks. First here is the issue

I have a very old 12 speed road bike which has served me well. For the record it was built by a shop in Kitchener Ont call Braun and I bought it in either 81 or 82 IIRC. I say it has served me well because while I do basic maintenance (tires, lub the chain/gears and replace cables if needed) I'm not fanatical about it so I am still on original brakes, chain, BB etc. The bike still rides pretty well. I have been able to keep up with younger riders with fancy bikes even though I don't have clips of any sort

While there was a period of time when I did not ride much for the first 4 years I had it it was my only transportation so it was rode a lot. A few years ago after rediscovering how much I like riding I started riding more, at first 1 day a week in the good weather to work (16 miles round trip) and one day on the weekends (20-40 miles typical). As a results of the heavier use the brakes are getting pretty sketchy and the crank is getting a bit cranky

Last week I dropped by a bike shop on my way home and they said it needed a complete overhaul and would be about $300 (est). Now old bikes being old I am sort of concerned that it will just start at $300 and it might be better to put $ into a new bike. On the other hand $300 for a decent bike (my bike was a good one when bought back then though I cannot tell you what I got cause I don't remember). Repairing it myself isn't an desired option because I don't have a ton of free time and would rather spend what I do have on my hobbies and I don't have a good work area to break down a bike. I don't have kids so I do have some disposable income to pay someone to do it if I go that route

I'm not a fanatic and I won't be riding much more than I do now. I would like to ride into the coastal mountains on occasion (when my knees are up to it) and right now I won't because my bike is not well geared for that (though I have done so in the past) and I don't trust the brakes. I am going to go to another shop to get a second opinion and maybe (if I have time) check out some newer bikes just to see how they feel compared to the old faithful.

Would you go and fix the old bike or get an new one and why? Any other advice as to what to do or other information I could provide?

Thanks