Originally Posted by
thenomad
The only people naysaying are agreeing with your comments about leaving the paint. I ride a 9 speed sti Ironman and its a great ride. Easy conversion. If I get a frame in terrible shape then I repaint, but that one can easily be resurrected with some elbow grease, white nailpolish and 1000 grit wet sanding. It's called "patina".
But, if he so desires then of course it is his, do it and enjoy the ride. He asked for advice.
Umm ok, I was joking by quoting 30 Rock and there actually were a few comments about not doing the upgrade.
see:
Originally Posted by
markjenn
I'd vote to leave it "as is". They only have original paint once and yours is on the good side of that fuzzy line between patina and ratty.
But then I wouldn't upgrade the drivetrain either. I enjoy the 12-speed and downtube shifters on my 88 400. It makes it the classic that it is.
- Mark
Originally Posted by
OldsCOOL
I'd vote for leaving it as is and touching it up a bit. Old Trek's are classy and getting more difficult to find by the season.
If you want a more modern bike and in better shape, why not find just the right one and keep this for a build later on?
Wait, I have another one:
Originally Posted by
thenomad
Way better (resale) existing value over time if it has original paint. You'll not find a nice waterslide decal to match the originals and the investment cast lugs which are a nice feature ill look crummy with PC as they'll fill in a bit.
Heck, for the money you'd spend you can sell the vintage frame and buy a modern frame like Nashbar or scattante and call it a day. Nice and shiny and you'd have CF fork etc to go with the STI. Someone on the board is sure to snatch that frame up. It's too big for me or I'd make an offer.
