I guess I'm kind of lucky - I've never owned a bad bike since I was 15. The joy that I experience riding has always been linked to the sound and precision of a clean shift, strong brakes, crisp and stable handling on descents, and a feeling of lightness on climbs - basically the merger between man and machine. I feel the same way carving a high performance ski.

A friend picked up riding for the first time last May, on a borrowed Cervelo R5 with mechanical Dura Ace. He went from novice, tipping over at stoplights and grinding up shallow climbs, to riding 40 to 50 miles with me at close to 20mph. I think the bike had something to do with his quick progression.

As for the OP, I subscribe to the belief that if you think your bike is holding you back, it probably is. New technology may inspire him to do the harder work that in turn will breed more success.