I have a Specialized Vita - my upgrade from a comfort hybrid. I still felt I was not ready to have dropped bars, and my LBS had a year old Vita Elite on sale. I really like it, but I never did try a Dolce. It's fast and light. I have added half toe clips and changed the tires from 28 to 25's. I am able to keep up on club rides now - a combination of being more fit and having a better bike. And I am older than you - 57.