I have been a lurking member on this list for a while and I find the extend ed discussion of original vs. reproduction very interesting. I think it co mes down to two opposing views about classic bikes. Should they be used or just viewed. If they are going to be used, then repairs and replacements must be accomplished. This requires parts â in this case eventuall y reproduction or even modern parts. After all how far can you ride on â originalâ 1965 tires? On the other hand except for rare inst ances an original item is always more rare and therefore more valuable than a used or reproduced item.
To me vintage bikes are especially interesting because they can continue to be ridden almost indefinitely. Treating vintage bikes as museum pieces ha s its place, but to me it is like putting endangered animals in a zoo. I w ould much rather see a classic bike accumulating scratches underneath a smi ling rider than standing pristinely in a glass cage.
Obviously each is entitled to their own opinion, but that is mine.
Wayne Sulak - who enjoys riding his bikes as much as possible.