To answer the original question - there's nothing like a lugged-steel, straight-top-tube road bike. Everything from my '79 Pro to the Vanilla touring bike is spectacular.

Furthermore, I'm a sucker for old technology of any sort. I build and race old cars, I live in an old house, I'm 23 and I wear a cardigan, etc. Give me bar end shifters or DTS any day - I can't stand indexed stuff.

Actually, that vanilla touring bike really gives me wood - especially the photo that's on their website in the cream color...mmm...