[jyl]

Oh, I'm not referring to the gray 2007 bike. I mean, let's say, a classic De Rosa with Super Record, or a Cinelli with C-Record, or a Ilkeston Team Pro - to pick a Tiagra-clad Specialized Tarmac over that is pretty much like trading a 356 in on a Miata.

Quote de jyl

It is a pretty top notch vintage bike that goes for over $1K. At that level they are as much art as machine. Colnago, Pinarello, Masi, Bianchi, Raleigh, Nuovo Record, Super Record, Mavic, all the best. Hand made frames, the best craftsmen of the time. Steel, aluminum, titanium, leather and cloth. No plastic.



A new carbon road bike at $1K has the bottom of the line Shimano group. Sora or Tiagra at best. Works okay, feels cheap, is cheap, as much plastic as they can squeeze in. Frame came from a Chinese mold.



Kind of like a 1989 Carrera vs a 2013 Scion FR-S. On specs, the Scion is every bit the equal of the Carrera. It is lighter, gets to 60 faster, etc. You pick.

I disagree. That older bike is not vintage, just 6 years old and totally outdated. 2013 Tiagra will perform better than a used 2007 Ultegra groupo all day long. The carbon full monocoque frame is going to be stronger, lighter, stiffer, has better geometry, and saying they are made in Asia does not mean it's cheap stuff.