I recently bought a Trek Madone after riding a Giant OCR for about 5 years. I have found that I average a higher mph on the better bike. I ride mostly because I can't run much anymore bc of my knees. I just like to know that, as a 44 yr old, that I am doing what others are doing. Motivation, yes, but also I pride myself on staying young and in shape. I ride mostly w/ hubby and have found that I can leave him struggling to keep up (and he's 5 yrs younger!). I also like to try to do things others can't or won't do. Anyways, thanks for the answers everybody!