What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
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Think of it this way. Is it possible or perhaps likely that the original owner would have replaced a part in the bike's original lifetime? If so, would the original owner likely have upgraded that part? In most cases the answer is yes. Were you to upgrade a part the same as the OO did, you'd be keeping the spirit of oldness, no question. Replace a worn Simplex derailleur with a Suntour? Sure.
And if you intend to ride the bike and your upgrade is intended to make it better for you, then that's the same thing. But if the bike is really special or rare then you should keep the original parts. In that case you are not only the bike's rider but also its caretaker.
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