My first "real" road bike that I purchased after I got back into cycling as a 40 year old was one of the cantilever dropout R series Cannondales. Down tube shaped like a baseball bat, raw aluminum polished to a mirror finish, with 700x23 tires pumped up to the max. So fast, but so punishing...I wanted to love that bike but couldn't get there. Heard stories about mid-80's Treks...found a 1987 Trek 560 and started my love affair with lugged steel.
Fast forward to 2 weeks ago when I found an LL Bean branded 1984 ST-400 for sale locally for cheap. A true barn find with an OG Cannondale rear rack. Stripped off the stem, narrow bars, half-step double and dry rotted 27x1.25's, replaced them with a Nitto Noodle, Tallux Stem, Deore triple and some 700x35 Hutchinson Overrides and I'm in all-conditions heaven.
No harshness at all. I'm doing the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail in late June...and this will be my ride.