Lets say you have 100% stock bike from 1972 thats being restored. Which parts are essential to its value or show worthiness?

Current/original bar tape is intacte and untorn while the spokes are tarnished. What about cables? Would replacing them hurt or help?

Any other thoughts or comments are appreciated

Jim

my thought (not that it's worth anything) is that anything that makes the bike
usable (i.e. cables replaced) will not detract from the value (albeit if the replacement
is either period correct or exact replacement).
I wouldn't mess with the spokes, other than to clean them up with something like mothers.
other than that, maybe (and its a big maybe) tires if the originals are dry rotted.
Remember, it's only original once.
marty

Depends on the level of collectibility of the bike. But generally, the originaler the better - including stuff like cable housing, bar tape, etc. The stuff that can be replaced with least damage to potential resale or the possibilty of landing that big concours trophy are wear replacement items (like bar tape, toe straps, freewheel). If you're planning on riding it, you can easily replace some of that stuff with newer stuff (especially better-functioning stuff like modern cable and housing) and save the originals for showtime. Some folks do that with things like Campagnolo globe logo brake hoods (usually by swapping out the levers rather than the hoods). Again, whether it's a high-zoot bike is a factor. The zooter, the more another collector will value originality.

"all original" "restored" "updated"

You forgot "new original"

Unless there is a "bluebook for vintage" and a yearly auction for such items, I say it's all in the minds.

That's where it all is anyway. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Just as the dictionary is the usage, not the other way 'round.

"Which mods/changes decrease value or show worthiness?"

Absolute #1, above all others, is cutting off the rear derailleur hanger.

And here I thought the absolute #1 bad mod was driving into the garage forgetting the bike was on the roof rack.

I've never been to a bike show. Period - correct stuff just goes better with the bike, and for me, it's condition, condition, condition, unless rarity rears its expensive head.

Lets say you show us the pictures, or this thread never happened.

Sorry to pull a Bill Clinton, but it depends on your definition of value. Some people (me included) value all original, others value a 100 point restoration and others value a "hot rod". And then there all of those inbetween. So as you can imagine, it can be one giant pissing match as to which has more "value".

On a monetary scale though, I would say all original is a better investment because usually over time that monetary value will go up. A restoration can be very pricey and it takes a much longer time to recoup the investment.

Original paint and decals are valuable to me. Any other part I can usually find a replacement or refurbish myself.

Would these be recently acquired PX10's? I suspect in terms of pure monetary value, you should leave everything as is unless it is broken or missing and then of course replace with the appropriate part. Myself,I would never be that picky. I like to ride my bikes so fresh cables/housing/brake pads/tubes/tires/chain/freewheel and probably brake hoods would be an improvement as far as I'm concerned. As somebody mentioned, you can always keep the old stuff in a box for show if that's important. I'm one of those inbetweeners that iab referred to. Not point in keeping it 100% original 'cause it wouldn't be ridable and no point in a perfect restoration 'cause it won't stay that way once I start riding it.

I'd look for some ribbed white cable housing to match the original on those Peugeots and run them exactly they way they are run in the catalog pictures. The brake cable housings should be looped high over the back of the bars, as was the style in those days. The rear brake cable should run down the top center of the top tube.

Yes, it would be for the PX-10's. I'm leaning towards leaving both 'as is' and onlt replacing what absolutely needed.

Thats a good idea, I'll to replicate catalog pictures. Now, the quest is on for replacement parts.

if its 'art' and worth a load of cash, dont mess with it and just sell it as is. use the money to buy a bicycle.

if its a bicycle, just make it safe and forget about it.

randy