(not sure how to quote, so, I'm doing it myself) "Tell me more about what you liked most about modern technology! I'm like you are, and I can't imagine being totally wowed by something when you have an RB-1."

Thank you for your reply!!!

I do enjoy my RB-1. I'm comfortable in it, still love the Avocet Racing 1 saddle -- numbness is not an issue at all -- shifting has always been crisp enough with Ultegra 600 setup and bar-end shifters, etc., etc.

I rented a Cannondale CAAD8 with 105 setup on the Big Island and rode parts of the Ironman course (about 45 miles one afternoon and then about 30 miles the next morning). The big thing that struck me was the speed and power in which I was ascending "ups" -- and I'm assuming that my perception of steepness was not off too much. I was in the big ring with 12, 13, 14 on climbs when I figured I would have been in something much lower on my bike. It felt like the bike was surging forward a bit more easily. In addition, I was on a climb for about 2-3 miles (Highway 19 from Waiku to Walaka) and was able to keep grinding it out in a way that I did not imagine I could have on my bike.

I knew that I did not get much stronger during the plane ride over (smile), and, I did not believe that the excitement of being in Hawaii was that big a deal. I checked the number of teeth in the big ring after the first ride and it had 52 -- maybe I miscounted by one.

When I returned home, I took my bike out for a spin to see if, perhaps, some training had kicked in and, I had become a bit stronger. I believe this was the case. But, still, I felt faster and more powerful on the Cannondale.

Now, perhaps the weight difference played a role? I'm assuming that the rental was about 5 pounds lighter than my RB-1. I would expect to climb better were I to suddenly lose 5 pounds. Maybe this is what was going on? When I do crank on the RB-1, I love the rumble of power I feel on it; it's reasonably smooth. But, I feel that I was able to transfer more power with the rental.

The ultimate test will be when I do some test drives on my usual rides. But, one thing that will still present itself will be the weight difference; the "new" bikes will be lighter, and, therefore, I am guessing, based on this factor alone, that I will climb better. Maybe I should drop 5 pounds and, assuming I get the same effect, save myself $2K-$5K :-).

Although, at the least, I would love to move to a 10-speed 11-23, or 25 if it exists, from my current 7-speed 13-23...and, I liked using brifters.

Anyway, that was the experience that got me thinking about a new, more modern technology, bike. Sorry about too much information.