Richie Wrote:
>on the coat tails of the recent thread, i am interested to
> hear what folks think about this. if this frame or one as rare
> as this is re-tubed owing to an accident, how is the value/
> mojo/provenance affected? the same question goes for the
> fork if a new steerer is installed.
>
> if you're a masi-phile or just a CR sycophant, where are
> your bounderies on this issue?
Hmmm... As a vintage car as well as a vintage bike lover - I cringe at the thought of just a re-paint. I'm a big believer in originality and 'patina', though crinkly, half-vanished decals, chipped paint, dings, and rust-through eventually (obviously) destroy the charm of an original bike ...
Many vintage cars I have owned have had panels replaced or re-hammered - but I have never replaced a chassis or parts thereof with new steel. Its too integral a part of the ride - I would never buy a car needing that kind of repair. Regarding bikes - tubes are similarly integral. A month ago I struggled over returning rear chainstays to their original spread (with lots of opinion and help from the CR listers). Finally I had it done 'professionally' and with great success - and its no biggy, but the idea that I might mess with the stiffness or 'ride' of a fabulous frame tormented me! (ok - I had some spare time for frivolous bike torment last month)
Generally there is so little to distinguish a great frame builders work (ala Richie) except the lugwork and corresponding tubes and their mysterious angles/ride relationships. I think once you mess with the integrity of that - you've lost authenticity. That being said - I'd love a "Masi ala Richie" in my stable any day. Even if I had to wait three years for the tube replacement. But I don¹t think Richie is going to restore a Masi for any of us anytime soon! ... By the way - its all IMO of course :-)
Cheers
Greg arnold nyc