I am torn as to what to do.

The powdercoating($115) and pretty route will cost $300-400 total. Since I almost never ride in the rain, the only reason to put on the Honjo fenders is to have a bike that really looks good.

I may just experiment with this bike for a while. Hertofore I have always relied on my friendly LBS to do the work on my bikes. I have now resolved to do everything I possibly can myself. I have been acquiring bicycle tools and learning from this forum and youtube videos. Yesterday I overhauled pedals, changed freewheels, and adjusted the derailleurs. I had not had the confidence to do this before. My trainer works pretty well as a work stand.

Ultimately the gearing on this bike is not ideal for me. I may go for a 26/36/46 Sugino Triple up front and a 14/34 freewheel in the rear. I have a Suntour Vx-GT RD and a Cyclone FD. I may take the barcons off my wife's 20" Super Course that never gets ridden and put them on this bike. You may have noticed it needs some new handlebar tape. I have some Newbaums tape in eggplant that I might use. A Technomic stem might be in the cards. I will use this thread to chronicle everything I do on the Tempo. Powdercoat and fenders may be the very last step.