Informal poll

[Guinness]

Being very new to the hobby of vintage bikes, what’s the general consensus about cleaning-up a bike to “maintained, rideable, and original condition” as opposed to ”full-blown, looks like it just rolled-out the bike shop door” condition?

I’ve been enjoying the various “before & after” topics on the forum and it would appear that it’s a matter of the actual bike in question, but otherwise, there seems to be roughly a 50/50 split.

But which way, in general, do you lean?

-Guinness

 

[1817cent]

An nice looking and complete original condition bike beats a fully restored one any day..

 

[phantom]

For me it's about originality, unless it's a basket case to start with. I would much rather own a nice clean original bike than a full blown restoration.

 

[CURTIS L LINDGREN]

Original if at all possible. I'm not really a fan of restored. Even a beat up original seems "Better" to me.

 

[PapaPengin]

Preservation is my #1 goal. If a bike has deteriated to the point of non recognition, a full restore could be a possibility. Things are only original once. Saving it from being scrap is still better than letting it be crushed. Just my personal outlook. Save what I can.

 

[Guest2]

Not a resto fan either, I like 'em CRUSTY! Original paint rules IMO, but I do have some bikes I bought that were restored or repainted. Mostly deals I just couldn't pass up.

 

[BFGforme]

Not a resto fan either, I like 'em CRUSTY! Original paint rules IMO, but I do have some bikes I bought that were restored or repainted. Mostly deals I just couldn't pass up.

Me too...

 

[Freqman1]

I think there already a few threads on this topic. On a decent, deluxe balloon tire bike the price of a top level restoration is going to start at about $2500. V/r Shawn

 

[49autocycledeluxe]

nice original is always best. second best would be rejuvunated original to the best it can be without painting or plating.

if I had the money to do so I would only restore bikes that have no paint or plating left or built from parts.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Original is the way to go for me. I buy my bikes to ride not look at ,though I still do sit and admire once and awhile. All the nice chrome and fancy paint still will not make it ride any nicer.