Old 08-20-10 | 12:36 PM
  #5  
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ColonelJLloyd
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Louisville
Originally Posted by rothenfield1
This, of course, is true. I could always put the original components back on it. But that's not my question. Many of you buy, refurbish, & sell classic & vintage bikes all the time. If you had a desirable high-end bike, do you think that you would get more for it in as close to all original condition, or with modern upgrades. If I see a vintage bike in near mint condition that matches what it would have looked like rolling off the show-room floor, my eyes widen. If I saw the same bike with modern components, I would see it as just another bike with a nice old frame. For example: I used to have a Miyata 1000 with all original components except for tires & saddle. I thought about upgrading it, but several on this forum suggested that it would be more valuable left alone with original tires & saddle.
I have fully chromed '81 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8. Not a high-end bike, but not a slouch. The only original part on it is the headset. I am exponentially happier with it with modern (but classic looking) components. If I tried to sell it as a complete bike, I'd lose my shirt.

There are a lot of variables regarding your question, not the least of which are the components you chose and the market in which you'd be selling.
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