Restoration or modernisation?

[Tel]

Both my bikes are old. I'm currently thinking about what to do with my Record Sprint, which is currently very different from how it left the factory. I want to convert it to a fixed wheel and am considering respraying it black again, fitting Record (Gold) decals and adding some bling to capture the original spirit of the bike. But then on the other had I'm thinking I'll just build it into whatever I want it to be.

If you have an opinion regarding what I should do then please share.

But ignoring my dilemma what is your preference; update the old or restore to original?

 

[Steve Austin]

I would update. bikes have changed a lot since then.

I would still keep the old fella, and upgrade it too. You never know how many bikes you might need

 

[Piemaster]

for a bit of bling how about doing something like this?

 

[gbb]

I upgraded a Raleigh Clubman Tel...
Opened up the rear triangle to accept 8 speed wheels, equipped it with Sora etc etc, and made a good strong, reliable bike. Nice and comfortable, reasonably fast, looks ok, although the geometry is a bit 'long' by todays standards.
The trouble is, i sometimes think ive commited a sin. It would have been nice to restore it to its original condition, but then i dont want a 25 year old bike...that looks 25 years old.

 

[Keith Oates]

It's very much a personal choice but for me I would restore if it can be brought back to a true original!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tyred]

Ultimately, it's the owner's decision as to what to do with his/her bike. I would probably try and be at least reasonably original myself but wouldn't be obsessive with small details like some. If it's a ten a penny bike that's worn out, there is no harm in upgrading it whatsoever.If it's something rare, or something which has survived in perferct original condition, I would definitely keep it original.

 

[bonk man]

I reckon there must be some sort of moral or/and age cut off for modernising old machines.. Anything older than 1960 should be renovated as close to original as possible in my opinion, newer stuff is fair game unless it is really special and rare ie a one off,, made for a Tour rider or the like.

Renovating a 1970's or later is a bit silly as the original parts are not usually as good as modern bits [ granted the high end 1970's might be good but a lot was pants ] but modernising these bikes is one way of preserving them until they get old and rare enough to make a restoration worthwhile...

I upgraded a Viscount Aerospace to take 8 speed etc and it was great, to put some 1970's crappy brakes and bendomatic wheels on it would have been very silly indeed . Moulton Standard with drops and Ultegra chainset ....why not..
1940's New Hudson Racer..... Dura ace groupo:?: I think not... [ by the way does anyone have a New Hudson they want to sell? ]

 

[spandex]

for a bit of bling how about doing something like this?

DO NOT SHOW ME THINGS LIKE THAT I can fill the money draining from my bank