My first road bike was a Trek 310. Bought it in 1986, after test riding an 'exotic' bike (a Peugeot), a hand-made American bike (Cannondale), and the Trek. The Peugeot was French and according to the LBS owner would be like owning an Alfa Romeo: great when UP, but requiring a lot of tinkering to keep it in that shape.
The C-dale was light and FAST! But even then, at 22, my fillings were almost jarred loose.
Finally, the Trek was made of Ishiwata triple butted steel in Japan, and was affordable. Didn't have the Campy components or the Made in USA sticker but was very very comfortable.
A few years later I 'upgraded' to aero brake levers, 7-speed indexed Shimano 105 drivetrain, and a different saddle. I rode that thing until 2000 when I built up my Italian made Bottecchia with full Campy. I still miss riding my original bike; I see it in the garage, hanging there, every day...