I so missed my old Schwinn Varsity that I bought an '86 Raleigh Marathon two winters ago to take it's place. It's a better bike than the Varsity was but the ride seems similar to me. I don't ride it often, but when I do the ride feels quite nostalgic.
I'm glad I don't have to buy my first ever bike armed with what I now know for the scope of what's available out there, both new and old, is mind boggling. I'ld end up second guessing my every thought.