In what case are you not repainting vintage bike?
02-24-21, 04:55 PM
#26
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Original paint AND decals are also highly prized as they confirm the pedigree of the bike. Look how many posts we have here on C&V asking for help in identifying a frame. Its easy to repaint and then put new decals on a frame that may not accurately reflect what the bike actually is. Keep the original paint AND decals and just ride it.
So when does that matter? If a bike has pantographs or other uniquely identifying characteristics, there is a second path to demonstrating what it is. If it's made with Columbus SLX tubing, there are even internal characteristics to establish that fact. So there's a point where refinishing a bike in very rough condition might be more acceptable than average. At the other end of the scale, Let's say the bike is a mid-tier model from a less sought after manufacturer, such as the OP's Motobecane. There's really no perceived value added by making another bike of similar construction look like this one, so there'd be little reason to question re-applied decals. Most of us seem to like knowing exactly what a bike is, so knowing it's a Motobecane D2 is somewhat better than just knowing it's a well-constructed mid-tier bike from the 80's, but there's not a lot of differentiation there, and not a lot would be lost by not knowing that.
That doesn't change my answer from earlier in any way in the final analysis, but it provides some useful data points for making the decision.
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02-24-21, 06:05 PM
#27
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Thinking back, I've only repainted frames that have undergone torchwork.
My rattiest bike is this one. No way it's getting repainted.
photo courtesy of Velocult, RIP
My rattiest bike is this one. No way it's getting repainted.
photo courtesy of Velocult, RIP
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02-24-21, 07:43 PM
#28
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I've been turning this over in my mind, and I think maybe it provides a useful tipping point. Let's say I have some classic bike from a well-known made with Reynolds 531 tubing. With the original decals that information is preserved. In some cases the color of the paint even provides a clue as to what year it was made. Without the decals, it's almost impossible to recognize and prove Reynolds 531 tubing. Without pantographs the brand is usually impossible to establish. Once the bike has been repainted, the decals become meaningless except as decorations.
So when does that matter? If a bike has pantographs or other uniquely identifying characteristics, there is a second path to demonstrating what it is. If it's made with Columbus SLX tubing, there are even internal characteristics to establish that fact. So there's a point where refinishing a bike in very rough condition might be more acceptable than average. At the other end of the scale, Let's say the bike is a mid-tier model from a less sought after manufacturer, such as the OP's Motobecane. There's really no perceived value added by making another bike of similar construction look like this one, so there'd be little reason to question re-applied decals. Most of us seem to like knowing exactly what a bike is, so knowing it's a Motobecane D2 is somewhat better than just knowing it's a well-constructed mid-tier bike from the 80's, but there's not a lot of differentiation there, and not a lot would be lost by not knowing that.
That doesn't change my answer from earlier in any way in the final analysis, but it provides some useful data points for making the decision.
So when does that matter? If a bike has pantographs or other uniquely identifying characteristics, there is a second path to demonstrating what it is. If it's made with Columbus SLX tubing, there are even internal characteristics to establish that fact. So there's a point where refinishing a bike in very rough condition might be more acceptable than average. At the other end of the scale, Let's say the bike is a mid-tier model from a less sought after manufacturer, such as the OP's Motobecane. There's really no perceived value added by making another bike of similar construction look like this one, so there'd be little reason to question re-applied decals. Most of us seem to like knowing exactly what a bike is, so knowing it's a Motobecane D2 is somewhat better than just knowing it's a well-constructed mid-tier bike from the 80's, but there's not a lot of differentiation there, and not a lot would be lost by not knowing that.
That doesn't change my answer from earlier in any way in the final analysis, but it provides some useful data points for making the decision.
