I loaned my old Trek 520 to a guy from Washington D.C. who came to town for the Livestrong Challenge. I think he was a little skeptical about riding an old Fred bike, at first.
When I met him at the finish line, he was just gushing about how wonderful the bike was. The whole route is on chip seal with cattle guards and various other obstacles. He said it was the smoothest ride he ever had. He also fell in love with the Brooks Champion Flyer saddle.
He is going to start looking for an old Trek as soon as he gets home.