I've learned a lot from you guys since I've been hanging out here the last few months, and I'm starting to get into refurbishing my old bikes, as well as scouring the garage sales and thrift shops. I really admire some of the great work you do, as well as your appreciation for the art of the bicycle.

Here's my question: How far do you guys go when you restore a bike? Do you strip it all the way down to the bottom brackets, repack the hubs, pull the headset, etc.? That would seem the logical choice, but it occurs to me that perhaps sometimes those are better left alone.

I'm guessing that the logical answer is that it depends on the bike, huh?

Thanks for your patience, and please, don't anyone flame me for being a dumb newby!