Dave,

I'm just going to throw this out there and you can call BS on me if you want to (you won't be the first.) I guess I'm still not clear on why you'd want to ditch a bike like yours if it fits fine, but since you bought your bike 20 years ago, I'm guessing you are in your 40's (or maybe more.) If you never plan to race and limit things to fast club rides, sticking with what you've got is a great plan as your current bike is very suitable. Replace any special parts (old original stuff) that will wear out and not be easily replaced (no idea what they might be), and replace others as they need to be.

But if you ever decide skinny tires and being bent over on your current bike is getting old, check out Rivendell Bike Works and their idea of bikes for unracers. My disclaimer: I work a block from them and I've found they are super people. And I will admit that I drank the Kool Aid.

My '99 Serotta Ti Legend with full DuraAce is in the attic gathering dust. My CoMotion Ristretto race bike from racing days was sold when kids came along. My current do-all is lugged, 36 spokes, 38mm tires, full fenders, bar-con shifters and a Brooks leather saddle. Handlebars are roughly as high as the saddle. I can ride all day long without getting sore, and most of the time it's with a stupid grin on my face.

So what I'm saying, is that most likely you already have the perfect bike for what you are doing with it. And it's very likely something like a Riv or similar would be a better direction to explore in the future, especially if you have flexibility issues or want to start carrying things for touring or whatever. Not everyone stops racing of course, so readers please hold the nasty replies about being 78 years old and able to kick my ass in a crit.

If staying in shape and having fun is your ultimate reason to ride, than any bike that fits well and works will do just fine. Ignore the marketing hype. That's all it is. Just my opinion, of course.

-Ryan