Ok so I used to have a 81 Conti, and I loved the way it rode. I could sit on that thing for hours and never get sore. However it was a limp as a wet noodle when mashing the pedals and like dragging 4 more bikes behind me in weight. So basically not very fast or efficient with power. I personally love the look of old steel bikes, and although I haven't ridden any of a higher caliber non-stove pipe steel then the Conti and my dads old whatever-it-was Schwinn, I'd imagine they are probably pretty nice.

Here is my question to the gurus of C&V, I don't mind a project (ie get a frame and build it over the next year or so) but I'd like to get something in the next few months as I have aspirations of doing a spring tri by years end. Should I spend the dollars on something newer with a complete bike, and find a solid classic chrome-moly frame and build that over time (with newer component technology)? Or drop the money on something vintage that is already done?

I really like integrated shifters so I am leaning more towards new bike and build an old frame, but with my limited (but ever expanding because of this part of BF) knowledge of classic road bikes I am not sure I am making the best decision. Could I get something that needs some newer components that would be as responsive and close in weight to a newer road bike (barring carbon frames).

Advice, comments, experiences and opinions welcome.