Yes it makes sense to “dress the part” when riding the old bikes but if you’re uncomfortable then that’s where you need to draw the line.
The wider tire suggestion is a very good one. Also, with 28 tires you should be able to have considerably less pressure than 85psi. would think 50psi should be enough. You only need enough not to pinch sidewalls. The idea you need high pressure to reduce rolling resistance/ go faster has been debunked. At 50psi wide tires are like having shock absorbers.