Originally Posted by chasm54

1. Frame material doesn't matter much, a decent designer can make a comfortable bike out of steel, aluminium, carbon ... Even wood.

2. Weight differences matter more to some people than others. You could radically reduce the weight difference between your 80s steel bike and a modern carbon version by equipping it with a carbon fork. There's a lot of weight in the steel fork crown.

3. No, weight doesn't really help with the wind, and yes, it principally impacts when going uphill.

4. Carbon isn't fragile.

5. Frame material is immaterial as far as maintenance is concerned. What really needs maintaining are brakes (including cables) for safety, and the drivetrain, for both efficiency and longevity. Keeping that cleanish and lubricated takes very little time.

6. If the only reason you're thinking of changing is because some of the components are worn out, why not just replace the components? New chainset, rear block, chain and cabling wouldn't cost much, and you could keeep your downtube friction shifters, if you like them. Wheels (I'm guessing they'll be 27" rather than 700c) are also readily obtainable.

7. For the record, I have three steel bikes (one with a carbon fork) and one of carbon fibre. They're all great bikes. Ride what you enjoy and don't worry what it's made of.