Though I seek and prefer absolute originality, in an old bicycle, I can appreciate a nicely restored one...



Sadly, or not, I am one of those guys who DOES buy into preserve the original machine, patina and all. Long did I debate the cosmetic issues associated with my Legnano. I am so glad that I resisted the urge to paint the bike, just because the top tube is sweat ugly...



After all, the bike is quite ride-able, not too bad to look at and, heck, I can pretty it up anytime in the future, provided, of course, that I choose to destroy the irreplaceable original, patina infected, finish.