sweet comment gargiaulo.mike...guess you read the above info regarding the reason for this project. short of price tag, how can someone tell what constitutes a good frame? This one is a Japanese made, 70s-era frame, straight, comfortable. i guess my thoughts are, the frame is low end if it sits un-used, rusting chained to some pole...but that it has value if it is put to good use. ultimately, is $30 bucks for paint and a couple of afternoons spent learning about bikes that big a waste of time?