well, you've got steel, why not try titanium? I am a few years younger than you and also ride a steel bike. But what I know to be true is that I am a slower cyclist. I don't think the bike will make a whole lot of difference. There are things you can do to train yourself to ride faster that really help. But if you're wanting a new bike... come to Seattle, we've DOZENS of great bike shops that can help you with that.