List,
For the most part Steve Maaslands comparison of 3 bikes was most telling to me concerning "new vs.old". I don't see this as a To ride or not question, but thats just my .02 worth. Similiarly I find I use gears much more on my older Serotta running campagnolo 8 speed than on my old trek with NR and 6 cogs. For me it falls squarely in the camp of ease of function. From an aesthics point of view, no question NR/SR gets my juices going more than any ergo/sti gruppo ever will.
I never thought my "when do you say no to riding a classic" thread would still be active 4 days after my initial question. For me, as a newbie, this has been a most educational experience.
Thank you again for the responses and enlightenment,
Marty Eison
Dallas, Texas