I look at it this way: I always want to find a vintage bike that no one else has mucked with, that way I can make those all important choices.

Most of us in CV undoubtedly feel similarly when it comes to a nice or super nice bike. I have a beautiful 68' Peugeot PX10 that is 100% original. I have disassembled and restored even the (gasp) Delrin Simplex derailleur. I will ride it only occasionally, but will maintain it's originality for future owners. That's how antiques become antiques: they survive.

Another bike is a nice 60's Dawes Realmrider. Very uncommon. Wheels were steel and completely toasted. Built new quality wheels using the original hubs. Kept the look and added functionality. (Even kept the unusual colored wheel disc... a lot of people would have tossed that)

Other bikes... who cares... they are for daily riding and need to function before anything else.

So ask yourself this: Will some young person in the future covet that bike? If so, keep it original.

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