I have restored many bikes of many varieties. I have probably done every bad thing and good thing depending on your viewpoint. What I enjoyed about all the restoration postings is the diverse views on the subject. There is no right or wrong answer here. I could please some of this group by doing a complete repaint while others will shudder at the thought. Some would want me to be period correct on everything and others would be just as happy with a set of modern Dia Comp levers on a classic MASI so long as I rode the bike. It is great that there is no one answer, that means I can do no wrong all the time. Face it, you collect, restore, ride these classic beauties so others can see and envy them. This whole forum exists for that purpose. You can witness the individual passion of each persons preference by combing through each posting. If we did it just for ourselves then we would not need to sell or defend our viewpoints in the open so we can see how many agree with us and how many do not. Mass acceptance and value is a big factor if you are strong enough to admit it. You can be bought off if the bike you like has very little mass appeal. On the other hand, when the masses all want your bike your appreciation and value go up. You are very pleased when that happens. I am no psychologist but it does not take one to see that no one stands around a fine 1974 Panasonic bike and ogles it looking for all the finer details of construction. Now can the same be said for a 1974 Masi, no because the masses have agreed that it is of more value. Do any of you belive the Masi is thousands of dollars more rideable than the Panasonic? Is it thousands of dollars more eye appealing? If I put Masi transfers on the Panasonic, painted it a Masi color and had it signed would every one of you take a second look? On the other hand if I put a Panasonic transfer on a Masi would you even take a first look up close or just pass it on your way to the next bike in line. Don't get me wrong, I like the classics like everyone else here but that is not a tangible measure of quality, reliability, function. There is a lot of you who have expressed very passionate viewpoints for bikes and restoration practices that others quickly dismiss. If your jaw is clinched while reading any part of my posting then I am sorry. I also like chocolate ice cream and if you don't then you are wrong! Ready for your passion...
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ