Originally Posted by
jonwvara
I vote for not painting. I would not give it an OA bath, either--it seems pointless in this case.
Touring bikes are supposed to look well-used. You're good.
I only would give it a repaint if I did things like add canti or centerpull mounts, mid fork and seatstay eyelets, that sorta thing. Once I get the clamp off and polish it I'll post some better pictures, there's a fair amount of patina. Which is good, I plan on touring, commuting, and taking it on dirt regularly.
There is some rust weep from a couple drain holes, and a little at the top of the seat tube, but most everywherr else is clean. I just would prefer to do a soak if I plan to keep it forever. Can't hurt, and I'd like to do it once to learn.