I'd like new bike but not sure how much to spend

[Markc74]

Hi everyone, i'm currently riding an old 80's steel frame Ricci bike and i'm getting into my cycling quite a bit now so i'm looking to treat myself to a shiny new bike, but here comes the complicated part.
My bike at the moment is a steel frame Ricci audax frame, I am running Campagnolo Mirage brakes and front derailleur, and Campagnolo Veloce rear derailleur, which I know is a good set up. So my question is, although this is a vintage bike, what would I have to spend on a new bike to get the same quality bike as i'm riding?

 

[MikeW-71]

My gut feeling would be between £800 to £1000, which will get you a good Aluminium frame with at least some 105 level components, and carbon forks.

 

[biggs682]

My gut feeling would be between £800 to £1000, which will get you a good Aluminium frame with at least some 105 level components, and carbon forks.

but will it give the same quality of ride and feel of a good old retro steelie !

 

[Fab Foodie]

Having spent the last 8 years riding a very good Alu frame and carbon fork bike with Ultegra and Dura-Ace (TCR1) and recently acquired an 80s 531 steel I have to say, the old steelie is a much better ride in so many ways.
The only true answer is go and ride some bikes and see what you think?

Lightweight wheels and tyres on your current steed would make a big difference in performance and feel.

My next 'fast road bike' will be on a Steel frame with Carbon Forks (£850), new handbuilt wheels (£350) and all the Ultegra etc. running gear off my Giant. With new cables and labour we're talking close to £1500 cost build a very good road-bike to better the old steelie for comfort and mirror the TCR for weight.

 

[MikeW-71]

but will it give the same quality of ride and feel of a good old retro steelie !

I dunno. It was the 80's when I last rode a steel frame and it was on fairly fat tyres IIRC.

I was very pleasantly surprised with how comfortable my Defy was when I got it though.

OP: go try a few bikes, it's the only way to find out.