Originally Posted by
onetwentyeight
bigvegan - the issue is that people hack off brazeons for their conversions, which then forces the next owner to spend several hundred dollars on having said brazeons reinstalled and then the paint redone if they ever want to use the frame as originally intended, when in most cases the butchering was done for entirely aesthetic reasons that sacrificed aditional functionality. Also, some brazeon removals are done so sloppily to the extent that they compromise the frames integrity.
Often times the cost of repairing and restoring a frame overshadows the actual monetary value of the frame, thereby dooming a good quality frame that could have made someone a nice roadie/townie/what have you to the dumpster. And all just because someone felt the need to make a misguided fashion statement with their bike.
I recently checked into sending one of my frames to Cyclart for a repaint with correct decals and all. I guess I would have to say that 99% of the frames they restore will never justify the cost of their services. I love this frame and I assume most people who choose this option are doing so for similar reasons, not as an investment. Anyway, here's the prices to replace braze ons:
Shifter bosses-$50/
pr.
Cable guides-$40 for 3
RD hanger-$50
Chainstay cable stop-$15
So, worst case scenario around $150 to replace everything, not several hundred. Painting is debatable as many of these bikes would need a full repaint to be "original". Also I think saying it "forces" the new owner is misleading. We make choices regarding bicycles, we're not forced to do anything...Also, I don't think lack of braze ons dooms any frame to the dumpster, that's just a waste.
I urge y'all to research these statements before posting as there is plenty of heresay regarding this topic. Again, I would like to make this thread a resource, not a forum for wild accusations and personal insult, as is all too common on BF as it is.