On 2006-09-10, Gray wrote:

[...]

Since my budget will limit me to either a Trek 1000 (traditional) or
Trek Pilot 1.0 (comfort), I wonder which way to go. In the last 3
months, I've put about 500 miles on a borrowed vintage (1983) Trek 620
touring bike, which obviously has a very traditional geometry. In all
that time, I've never experienced any discomfort or body pain while or
riding (despite not owning any padded bike shorts and the 620 being
equiped with its original seat).

Q. -- If I'm comfortable on the vintage 620, should I stick to a
traditional road bike (e.g. Trek 100)?

Q. -- Am I being short-sighted passing up a "comfort" road bike?
Especially considering that I don't see myself ever racing or trying to
ride for time.

If there's any way that you can ride examples of both, I'd do so. That
will answer your questions better than anything. Failing that, try to
compare the geometry of your current bike to the ones you're
considering. If you're comfortable on what you ride now, try to match
the relationship between the handlebars, saddle, and bottom bracket as
closely as practical.

Don't assume that the 1000 will be the most similar to your current
bike. Touring bikes are usually set up for a more upright riding
position than sport bikes.

BONUS Q. -- What brand other than Trek should I seek out to buy a new
or late model road bike? It's not that I am a Trek snob. I just have
found them more plentiful and easier to research.

Just about any brand that's sold in bike shops, really. Most
manufacturers' entry-level sport bikes are more or less similar in spec
to the 1000. Models similar to the Pilot 1.0 aren't too hard to find
either. The Specialized Sequoia and the Raleigh Cadent 1.0 come to mind.