Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,234
Likes: 741
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: '64 Bianchi CDM, '62ish Altenburger Cinelli Mod B, '63-64 Cinelli SC, 69 Rene Herse Competition, '71 Gitane SC, '73 Cinelli SC, '73-74 Colnago Super,, '73-74 Cinelli SC, '78ish counterfeit Confente, '82 Medici Gran Turismo, '67ish Mondia Speciale
Well, I intentionally buy bikes that have a bit of wear on them so that I don't feel bad about the inevitable road dings. I ride the heck out of an '81 Olmo, my mid 80s Merckx, and am overhauling a '74 Rauler that I fully intend to ride. When I bought the Olmo, I was intentionally looking for Super Record-equipped bike that I wouldn't feel like I needed to baby. It has plenty of wear already, so I feel no guilt if a little rain gets on it.
I sold a nearly NOS '80 Windsor Touring Elite partially because I couldn't bring myself to ride it in the winter slush (as I intended when I bought it). I took a nearly NOS Cilo and rode it in all weather until it took on a number of chips in the paint.
Oh well. That's the price of fully enjoying our hobby.