Here's my guestimate of the most frequently consumed parts on a vintage bicycle. This is just a guess and maybe someone with more riding or bikeshop experience could help me to re-order this list ?? Thanks in advance :
1. chain (most frequently replaced, every 1000 miles for modern ones) 2. tires (replaced every 2-4 chains.) 3. freewheel (replaced every 2-5 chains) 4. bar tape (replaced when it gets a bad gash) 5. hoods (replaced when it starts to split / rot) 6. toe straps (replaced when it breaks ) 7. brake pads (replaced when worn out or dry-rotted) 8. spokes (replaced when they break or rim cannot be trued.) 9. bottom brackets (? least frequently replaced, maybe 20,000 mi?)
I don't worry too much about keeping the consumables original. As long as there is a modern equivalent with a vintage look, preferably from a "vintage-era" manufacturer (e.g. DT Swiss spokes substituted for Robergal or Berg Union; Continental Tubular tires or Panaracer Tires substituted for European or Asian original tires), I really don't worry too much.
When spokes were new, the chromed ones shined more than the stainless ones. After 100-1000 miles, chromed and stainless spokes should look just about the same. You can still get asian chromed spokes e.g. on Amazon from Wheelmaster / Niagara Cycle Works, and they are very affordable, i.e. 144 spokes for roughly $30, and I think they have 305 mm sized spokes.
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA, USA