I am REALLY late to the party. Have ridden bikes for 50+ years, mostly as a way to get exercise, on cheap bikes. In 2004 I bought a Gary Fisher Marlin, and rode a bit until I started a string of sugeries for various ailments. A couple of years ago I bought a Specialized Sirrus, this year bought an old Diamondback road bike, and I am now jonesing for a nice gravel bike.
I think because of advances in technology, the glory days are now - 12 speed cassettes, internal hubs, ebikes, all kinds of cool stuff. I have 4 bikes and I want more.