IcySmooth52

I was wondering what you guys would say to this ride's value. This is the picture from when I bought it this fall. Currently, it's stripped down to the frame and soon to be primed for repainting (same color custom order, and exact details to be re-printed). How about good condition value vs. perfectly refurbished condition?

Bianchigirll 

I can't believe no one commented this.

Are you having it professionally repainted or is it a DIY job? Either way if you not likely to get your investment back. I don't see why it needs repainted in the first place.

bertinjim 

IcySmooth52-

Bianchigirl is right. The bike looks fine in the photo provided. It's already stripped down so clean it, wax, lube, add new cables and hoods and re-assemble. Maybe add a used Brooks. If you re-sell, you still will be getting about 50 cents an hour for your labour but it will likely go in the $400 range depending on your area's market. The lack of response here is probably a reflection of the lower interest in Brit bikes of the period compared to Italian and the idiosyncratic components.

daf1009

I would also concur on the repaint...don't do it...even in the same color, it is not original then! Not sure that is quite so important...but...why? The paint looks really great in the pictures...as do the decals. To me, this is a very attractive bike! If you were closer, who knows, I may even be interested!!!! As I do like the Brit bikes (as @bertinjim says)..

LeicaLad 

Complete with a La Pree 3-pulley RD!

I also agree that this should not be refinished. Bad for your pocket, bad for the bike.

I'm not in the market, but it IS my size and you isn't that far away. . .

But some fresh bar tape and fresh cables would bring much better ROI.

More photos, please.

Chombi

I wish people will quit being so afraid of re-paints, especailly when the original finish is really tatty already.
Anyway, a lot of bikes in the past had really bad paint to start with, especially Italian bikes with their nototrious "Quick release" paints and graphics in the 80's. Heck, I remember seeing enough un-built Italian framesets in bike dealerships literally raining paint, decal and and sometimes even chrome chips on the dealership floors from the wall and ceiling hooks they are hanging from.
As long as the paint color and graphics are matched perfectly, I don't really see the problem with re-painting C&V bikes. You'd be doing the bike a big favor anyway especially when it comes to stopping /controlling any corrosion on the frame that might have already started.
Sure it's not original finish, but what's the point when the original really sucked to start with....
Just my 2 cents.....

IcySmooth52

I am doing the re-paint myself, and I am a professional bicycle mechanic and have done re-paints before. I'm not looking to turn over a profit, despite paying $200. I'm looking to make myself a relaxed roadie for a nice day ride instead of a "lets top my last average speed on my route" ride. That's my Lapierre Xelius and Trek T1.

The bike did have touches of rust inside and out, and I could simply get a matching touch-up paint to cover what I've sanded off. (I've already treated the inside with rust removal, then protectant.) I plan to use a body filler for one or two parts, and then simply use a filler primer before the red. Next will be decals, then a clear coat. Also something of 'friction pieces/washers' on the stays to keep from the inevitable scratches and prevent ANY axle slippage. (I've done it before).

Holdsworth wants to see my work when it's all done! (Who gave me the decal images for printing). Her name will be "British Steel" which is a play off of Judas Priest, just like Laya by Eric Clapton for my Lapierre. I'm sure she'll be more valuable to me than her dollars worth. :-)

Bianchigirll 

My only issues concerning a repaint is some one taking a bike like this and sinking money and effort into a paint job thinking they can add $XXX.00s to the value of the then restored bike.

My other big issue is people who knowingly or unknowingly, surely with the best intentions, repaint a bike and fail to put the correct decals and frame stickers back on thereby losing the identity of the bike.

If the frame needs a repaint and it is for personal pleasure not perceived increase in value then go for it.

IcySmooth52

Lol! I have the exact decals from Holdsworth.

Of course not these exact images, but actually .pdf in the exact size they'll be printed so no scaling is necessary.