Originally Posted by Maelochs

1984 Raleigh Olympian .... really nice in this condition with Tiagra 10-speed, , but I upgraded it with a threadless-type stem,105 brakes, better BB, 50-34 crank, and few bits I forget right now.

I don't do downtube shifters. I did for decades, I am done. Brifters are better for me in every way. The geometry is a little racy, but I am used to it, and after playing with stem length and seat it feels stable and still quick It has exactly the ride you'd expect from a mid-80s steel bike--plenty of snap under acceleration, but a nicely damped ride, even on hard 23s, over most pavement.

An old bike can be a great bike, and IMO an upgraded old bike can be even better.