I have to say this - I am just sick and tired of people, like us, telling others to drill out a frame, or paint a frame, or what ever that CANNOT be returned to original state!

Yes, the bicycle does belong to someone, so he, or she, can do as they please, with the bike. Sure, it might be an entry level bicycle, but so what? Yes, it might be suffering in the cosmetic department, but so what? Every time someone paints an old road bicycle, it becomes lost! Lost..?

You bet, lost! Sure, you might not think the bicycle to be worth much, due to its entry level status, but so what? Why do some of us spout the, "its your bicycle, do as you wish" argument?

Do your best to allow newbies to understand that anything change, to a vintage bicycle, that is not irreversible, is not wise! Yes, the bike is theirs. Yes, it might look better painted, or what ever. But once those irreversible changes are made, THERE IS NO GOING BACK! It matters not if the change is paint, or upgrading, or what ever. It it can't be put back to original, then think carefully before DOING IT!

This sentiment goes for the Drillium crowd also!

Look at all the "what bike is this" threads, and those threads are started because the bicycle, in question, has been painted. Sooner or later, all the vintage bicycles, or nearly all, will not be original, and possibly because of some of the advice being offered here, by fellow forum members.

So, the bottom line for me, is preserve original! Let the fools, who know no better, paint and grind away. But let us, those who know vintage bicycles, help to protect what is left.

I implore you all to help preserve the old bicycles!