I have a beautiful, minty, 1985 Specialized Expedition (see pics below). The frame is my size (60x58) and everything on the bike is in perfect condition and I am not even sure the original owner rode it. The problem is that it isn't very comfortable for me because the cockpit and shifting. In addition, I tend not to enjoy riding down tube shifting bikes nearly as much as brifters or bar ends shifters. I keep one bike with down tube shifters (1985 Pinarello) and that is enough for me. So, the advice I seek is whether it is better to take a beautiful vintage bike and update it or sell it to someone who wants an old vintage bike and use the funds to partially buy a new bike (in this case a Bruce Gordon BLT). I know this is a very special frame but in order to be comfortable for me to ride I need to make a few changes.

As it sits right now I have lots of interest for the Expedition if I do decide to sell it. It is worth a good amount because it is minty. Once it is ridden and scuffed up a bit the value will probably go down to a standard Expedition price. I want a bike for mostly commuting to work and then to take out on some light touring (I have a salsa Fargo for heavy loading touring). Also, I am more inclined to ride a bike that is comfortable and easy (read: no down tube shifters). So, I think I have two options, sell this as is and take the money and buy something like a Bruce Gordon BLT with SLX for under $2000 to my doorstep. I get a nice new bike with newer oversized tubing and some nice racks to boot. Second, I could update the Expedition and keep all those vintage parts in the attic in case of rebuild time.

There are two ways I could update the Expedition. First, a quick fix to make it more comfortable.
Noodle Bars (46)
Chain ring to make it more smooth (48-44-32 is too big a jump for me)
Bar end Shifters (probably retrofriction or suntour)
More comfortable brake levers
Brake pads
Seat (Brooks B17)
I am estimating those changes to be about $400

In addition, I could do a full update which would include everything above and...
Crank/BB
Bar End Shifters
Cassette
Rear D
Front D
Chain
For Diore XT it would be $522 and SLX $416 new at Nashbar. I would then need a new pair of 36 hole wheels and probably get a SON in front at that point or maybe add it later. $600 for wheels outside of SON? So, add a complete update I am looking at about $1400-1500. Does that sound about right? Then I have a vintage rig running a nice setup. But, is that really better then a BLT with new SLX for $2000 minus the sale of this bike?

Love the input...

GG

About the bike: It has all original equipment except for the seat, tires (replace with Specialized Armadillos), tape (replaced with Brooks leather) and fenders (replaced with Honjo). Except for the saddle, the replacement parts have essentially 15 miles on them. Here are lots photos: Bike: Specialized Expedition - a set on Flickr