Yes, one of the common ruses is for the marketer/salesman/bicycle reviewer to insinuate that your frame is getting "soft" after years of riding. You hop on a new bike and immediately notice how it just "jumps" when you push down on the pedals. Very impressive.

Except that you can get your "soft" bicycle to feel just as responsive as the new one merely by replacing the chain and cogs. And maybe the chainrings. And pumping up the tires.

This is why I think the whole notion of n+1 is totally ridiculous and has more to do with cyclists trying to impress their peers. A good bicycle will last a very long time; a steel frame, even if it breaks, can still be repaired and can last forever, or until eaten thru with rust. And besides, nobody really cares what you're riding in the first place. People care only about how they think others perceive what THEY are riding!

So just ride what you've got!

Luis