You know what, my response was a little off beat. It's great that you like your bike no matter what it is. To be honest I think the Shimano SIS group is pretty neat and interesting. If it rides well go haul ass in it. I'm sure it's like the feeling I have for my 1987 Bianchi Grizzly with Deore. Rode it today and could not believe how good it shifted and how comfy it was. Cheers and ride it hard!