Originally Posted by bombusben
If it's going to gather dust as a road bike, I say fix it. It's a cool looking bike, and none of that would be lost if you strip the parts off. Though it's a nice looking ride, it's not an old Masi or some other supposedly 'untouchable' bike. Even so, if post fix you regret it, just put the parts back on. It's a bike, not a testicle.
Out of curiosity, do you know what year the frame is? Benotto moved production to Mexico sometime in the '80s. Not that it makes much difference, but might put your mind at ease about altering something 'collectable'.
I believe this bike was made before the shift in manufacturing location, though I don't know the year. I believe the shift occured in 1990. The gentlemen who I bought it from assured me it was made in Italy.
I like the testicle reference. Bold!