Vintage looks, contemporary performance

Can't find it now, but no doubt someone will post up that Ride test of new gear v 80's downtube steel thing that resulted in a 19 second difference over an hour's race or whatever it was.

I remember that - though it was kind of a stupidly biased test if I remember correctly. Cottered cranks, friction shifters, single pivot brakes etc etc.. There is a middle-ground to be found. My geared bike is late 80's frame and a mix of modern-ish parts and I love it.

I'll admit that when I got my 88/89 Merckx Corsa Extra the descents did scare me, but now i barely touch the brakes (unless it's wet!).. though to be honest Columbus slx is not that stiff, nor is it that forgiving in terms of ride as steel goes - hence looking for something a bit modern in the long term