Getting old is tough
 

This old girl is starting to show her age with some superficial surface rust under the cables and near the seams as well as the paint is showing very fine cracks. Nothing too serious ( I hope) and not seen from a distance but I decided to dress her up a bit with new matching colour tires, new bar tape and bottle cage and some paint touch ups where I removed the rust.

I know the decals are easy to find out there but need to find a reasonably priced organization to refurbish it. Of the few places I've looked at, they've been quoting me prices that would allow me to buy an Italian vintage bike of the same vintage in much nicer shape!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0bd2cac933.jpg

That bike still looks better than either of my (two decades newer?) bikes. Love the chrome fork!

I'm getting cautious, and thinking about replacing the bike that has 60,000 miles on the frame. All new bike has nothing to do with the decision, of course. (Hey mister, want to buy a bridge?)

Take your glasses off when cleaning and polishing.
or
Accept the 8 foot perspective. Patina always looks better when viewed from ~8'.

pdlamb, well that's because I didn't zoom in so you don't see all the lines! At least the front fork is still in great condition.

Wildwood, i think that's the best advice to deal with the natural effects of aging. It's a nice bike but only has value to me so not really worth the cost of professional restoration.

If it's just a little cosmetic stuff why worry? If you really want to have it restored, that's up to you. Friends have done it because they wanted to, not because it made financial sense.
One friend had his Paramount 50th anniversary frame painted by Cyclart in San Diego. Cost a lot but came out beautiful. Another friend had his Landshark repaired and painted by Landshark after a crash. Cost as much as he paid for the bike used, but he wanted it.

It never makes financial sense to restore an old frame, but it sure is fun anyway. I’ve done a few with Yellow Jersey in Arlington WI, very happy with the results, and the price.
Tim


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8aed490ce.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...209d91bad.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...68c5bb24c.jpeg

Love the relaxed geometry, bet it rides like a Caddy.

Oh good catch, thank you. I had to get under the brake cable along the top tube because that's where most of the rust was so I decided to replace the brake cable and the bar tape and did not to think to put the cable back where it belonged. I didn't remove the cable housing because it was stuck in those holders tight and I didn't want to rip or cut it out because of fear of not being able to find white cable housing again.

To be honest, it really does ride like the smoothest classic car you can imagine but can also really move when you push down on the pedals. Reynolds 453 butted tubing so it's got a good foundation.

Yes - great looking bike

The tires caught my eye also

looking for tires for an old Schwinn Peloton (lugged/Columbus SL tubing) I have not ridden in 20 or so years

At the time I used Michelin Super Comp HD - also Axial Pro - and Continental GP's

25mm should work - might not have clearance for 28mm and larger

Prefer tan wall - but the red walls might look good on the Peloton

Thanks and well, I could have easily posted this with a picture of me because the same thing is happening to me but the bike looks way better than I do!!! :) But seriously, getting old is tough and I could go on and on about the reasons why but I'm sure no one wants to hear that.