Why not update a frame you like? Why upgrade at all, just like people did back when they were new bikes. I have found a number of bikes with better groups than they were born with. There's not a whole lot of difference between that and what some of us have done with our bikes. Not fussing around with DT shifters make them quite a joy to ride. Sometimes you just get a bare frame, and building it up to ride would be cost & effort prohibitive. Using the readily available parts, you can blend the ride comfort and nicer appearance of a vintage bike, with the stiff wheels and highly functional components of today. I think someone should make brifter hoods in vintage colors. Gum, white, red, yellow, etc etc. That would be a nice accessory to soften the look a bit. This "every hood is black" reign has gone on too long, IMHO.,,,,BD