Pooks,
I myself would use "state-of-the-art CLASSIC" to describe Rivendells, not "retro". They are not antique reproductions, after all. They actually ARE "state-of-the-art" bikes themsleves, they feature common characterisitcs that have been constantly improved and in continual use by lots of folks for many decades, especially in Europe.
Bikes such as Rivendells are unaffected by the latest ever-changing racing bike style. They are made for riders who wish to ride under varied conditions of real life daily riding- gravel roads, loaded touring, commuting, long distance, AND fast road riding. You probably won't see one in the Tour de France though- a classic lugged steel complete bike usually weighs somewhere 23-26 pounds- a bit too heavy for actual competition racing. It will fare much better in a crash, though!

(can you tell I love my Rivendell?)