Hoping folks can provide rational arguments for why I should choose to restore my ~early 40s Monark Rocket as opposed to modernize it. I am relatively new to the cult of classic bikes, but have a general and veteran appreciation for well made things of the past (houses, tools, art, rugs, etc.). Thus, I've some idea about what might be the arguments for and against. I am confident, however, others here have thought more deeply and intentionally on the issue and so might help guide my decision one way or another.
Although such a question is likely to provoke passions, I'm seeking principles, theories and justifications rather than ad hominem polemics.
Context: Although I have not finishing researching it, my recently acquired bike appears to have all original parts with the exception of the front truss rods, which were recently hand-crafted. The frame and parts are solid and in good working order. While I appreciate the previous owner's creative enthusiasm, it was given a paint job unsympathetic to the period that is not to my particular taste. Pre-paint pictures suggest it did not have much original paint left on it.
Here are the ideas I'm mulling, ranked in order of how I'm currently inclined:
I presume--but not to constrain--the elements of discussion will include:
Thoughts?
Although such a question is likely to provoke passions, I'm seeking principles, theories and justifications rather than ad hominem polemics.
Context: Although I have not finishing researching it, my recently acquired bike appears to have all original parts with the exception of the front truss rods, which were recently hand-crafted. The frame and parts are solid and in good working order. While I appreciate the previous owner's creative enthusiasm, it was given a paint job unsympathetic to the period that is not to my particular taste. Pre-paint pictures suggest it did not have much original paint left on it.
Here are the ideas I'm mulling, ranked in order of how I'm currently inclined:
- Strip the paint down to raw metal, sand and polish to a chrome shine, and protect with a good 2K clear coat, reminiscent of those beautiful Silver Kings; add a repro/repop tank (it may not have originally had one as it doesn't appear to be the deluxe model and an original isn't in my budget presently); either keep original handlebars and seat (preserving the flowing lines of the bike) or replace with medium ape-hanger bars and a black banana seat, two modifications I found to make the ride more comfortable, powerful and agile; add a period-and-model-correct springer fork or springing truss.
- Strip and repaint original colors and design, add/change nothing other than finding period-correct truss bars.
- Strip and repaint to a color of my choosing, replace original handlebars and seat (but keep in storage) with medium ape-hanger bars and a black banana seat, add a springer fork or springer truss.
I presume--but not to constrain--the elements of discussion will include:
- preserving and investing in long-term monetary value
- monetary value vs. aesthetic value (which, we may debate, at least has some subjective determination that will yield differing views)
- prioritization of preservation of historical accuracy and style vs. celebrating creativity and the evolution of style by melding past & present
- purists' preservation sensibility vs. comfort and utility (I've found that the larger cruiser frame repurposed with banana seat and ape-hangers to be the most comfortable ride), pedaling while both sitting and standing
Thoughts?