1980's bike vs New(er) Models? (Should one stay with an ancient bike?) I have been cycling on a Centurion Pro Tour that was constructed sometimes in the 1980's - probably late 1980's, but still.

It works great.  It coasts downhill far faster than my hybrid, it doesn't weigh very much and I have definitely gotten perfomance results from riding it.

But, it is still from the 1980s.

It kind of forces you to ride in an areo position.  Once, I felt a pull in my back when I was riding up a hill (the topographic lines are very close together on that thing), and it took me days before I could ride again.  Sometimes, I feel it a little in my elbows.

It is worth it to look at a new bike?  My budget is really only 500USD or so.  Or am I just not adjusting it properly?

I know it's a narrow question on the fact of it, but I can't be the only guy with a decent ancient bike who would like some opinions one acquiring a new one.

My bike shop told me to I'd benefit from a new one, but hey - they are trying to sell bikes.

Thanks!
I suggest that you go to your local bike shop and see if you can test ride a modern bike.

As Daniel says $500 will not get you far. A test ride of a couple of bikes at different price points will help you decide. You may find that your "retro" bike is OK after all. Or maybe that it never did fit you properly. But a new bike could be 5kg lighter than what you have!

Now is a good time to do it, because it's Spring there and the shops will have a good range. If you decide to buy, then you can save for the next six months :-)