It really depends on what you want from your riding experience. If you're not trying to build a 100-point concourse restoration, then make it the bike you've always wanted (more or less).
I took my bike-boom Motobecane (one of the last of the hand-built Moto's) and took off the SunTour Cyclone components (which were, in themselves, excellent parts) and Sugino crankset in favor of Simplex Super LJ components and a Campy crankset (looking for a good used TA or Stronglight with a Swiss-threaded bottom bracket). SR stem got swapped for a French Pivo stem. Added a tan Brooks saddle, a vintage Zefal pump, fenders, Lyotard pedals, and vintage Euro water bottle and cage. Kept the Weinmann centerpulls for a nostalgic look. The original paint is in great condition.
It's not a correct restoration, but I wanted to build a continental-style touring bike with all Euro components. I think it turned out rather nice and I'm real happy with it. It's a heavy bike and not a top-line Motobecane, but I've had it for 25 years and it's dear to me.
If you're worried about originality, you can always keep the original parts safely stored away for the future.
Herb Langston Evanston, IL
>I'm afraid this is going to start a raging debate, but here goes anyway.
>What's the general feeling on upgrading a classic bike with other vintage
>components?
>
>Given a classic bike with original, mid-level components, what are the pros
>and cons of replacing those with better componenets of a similar vintage?
>In my case, I'm not fond of the original components on my track bike, but I
>really like other components from that time period.
>
>Thanks
>Sean Smith
>Glen Cove, NY