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>> chuck1sd@cox.net wrote:
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What is everyones opinion on restorations with reguard to components? Do you
feel that a vintage bike should be restored with the components it came from
the factory with(as a complete bike), or is it justifiable to restore a bike
with period correct components which may be upgrades that a person would do
if they had only bought the frame and built it.
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My experience in this matter mostly concerns production bikes, like the Schwinn Paramounts (38, 65, 73x2), but am now getting into a 73 Cinelli that seems to have been sold as a frameset and built up.
For production bikes, I make reasonable efforts to gradually accumulate used parts that were on the factory parts list (Of course, with models like the Raleigh Competition, we all understand that almost anything of the right vintage would have been shipped on it during the Boom). So, the earlier bikes have early logo Cinelli bars with engraved stems. But, I'm not fanatical about it: the '65 Paramount may await my death and a new owner to get a pair of the rare Weinmann wood-filled sew-up rims. My bikes, up till now, have been riders, which is why used parts are appropriate for me but not for E-Ritchie's lovely restored Masis.
I'm also flexible, feeling that sometimes a good yarn is better than pure authenticity. For example, the 65 Paramount was raced in Portland (OR) with Cinelli BiValents, and is shod with them now. I just can't see not using them, because the bike was campaigned with them, and because they are so cool.
Similarly, with regards to flexibility, I expect to ride RAGBRAI this summer on a very old Roma Sport tracker, with its FB hubs and Magistroni cranks. But, I will ride with clipless pedals, and I certainly will NOT use the over-patina-ed Brooks B-15 Swallow it came to me with. Not fair to either the saddle or me. :-) But, I do keep the original parts, and when/if it gets "shown" it will be with the original parts all back in place (but rechromed).
Still, I get stressed. Just last week I did some nice rides on my 38 Paramount in rattle-can black. I've had this one since about 1974, and have gradually gotten together the right Paramount cranks and Hubs. I even have one "proper" rim. This winter it will go "home" to Waterford for frame restoration, but not without some regrets. Because it was not restored, I have been happy to ride hard and not worry, to really enjoy the bike. Not to worry about the on-topic but "wrong" Duprat hollow steel cranks that are such eye candy. Afterwards, it will be a wall queen, I know, taken out only for rides on the nicest days. Until I got the Roma Sport referred to above, I was not willing to give up the rider for the Queen.
Ah, the Cinelli. I bought it with Campy record hubs and wired-ons, but then got the original wheels (tubs with LF Tipos). It would also be right for Cinellis. I have no idea which I will ride with mostly, but it does again have the old-logo bar and stem, and a proper Cinelli #3 saddle. Just incrmental changes, as targets of opportunity within the budget arise.
Guys and Gals, this is an incredibly neat and rewarding hobby, but fortunately we're allowed to keep our common sense and not get obsessive! Your mileage may vary, and that's ok with me.
harvey sachs
mcLean VA.