Originally Posted by
Bad Lag
Is it "bad" or an "historic crime"? No.
You said you don't have the money for a new frame but your list of changes are going to cost serious money - new cranks, new brakes; frame spreading, indexed shifting, new STI levers,... I understand, ... I think.
So, basically, you no longer like the bike you have.
Why not clean it up and sell it as-is to someone who would appreciate it for what it is. Add the proceeds to your "upgrade" budget and buy something different - used but with the newer technology you seem to be after.
Why not replace the worn part with period-correct replacements and ride it as it was designed?
I don't understand the period correct parts? Some of the mid grade parts sucked and were really sloppy when those bike were sold. Why the heck would anyone put that on there? For show, sure, why not, but to ride daily? Just not for me.