flipchip

So I'm not a big GT person, but I managed to get my hands on a cheap, mint 1993 Bravado LE in (I think) the team colours. I was planning on stripping it and repainting as I'm not a fan of the blue/yellow and plan on riding it A LOT (its a goddamn rocket), so I might as well make it mine before the paint gets destroyed naturally. However I know a lot of people collect these things (I understand why now). Would this be a sin in the eyes of the vintage bike gods?


Dirty but no cosmetic damage afaik.

Hobbiano 

Yes.

Clang

Yes, I love the Team Scream paint job, but it's yours now, so me or the rest of the internet can't stop you from doing what you want.

I'd say to wait and see if it grows on you though before you repaint it.

Narhay

I also don't love the paint but it is too nice to spend the cash. Invest in something instead.

nomadmax 

That was never my favorite paint scheme. But, a bike is only original ONCE. That said, it's your bike and you should do what makes you happy, because, that's what bicycles are supposed to do.

repechage

One can stand in a cold shower and tear up $100 bills also, oh wait, that is sailboat racing.

look for another one to strip the paint from

Paul Waque 

It is yours to do whatever you want with, but I would not. GT is known for interesting paint schemes, and they are a significant part of what makes the bike interesting. It is not so hard to find another crusty frame to repaint, and maybe transfer parts over to

ClydeClydeson

Those are mass manufactured Taiwanese made bikes. They are very good quality, but it is a mistake to view it as a 'collector's item' - it was meant to be ridden, and if you want to paint it and that helps you enjoy riding it more than you should... nay... you MUST paint it.

smd4

Looks pretty cool to me as-is, but it's your bike. You don't need permission from a bunch of strangers to determine what you do with it.

obrentharris 

Paint it if you must, but the rack and the street tires have to go!
Brent

smd4

Definitely. And put the front quick release on the correct side.

Steel Charlie

Needs more stickers

Steel Charlie

There's a right and wrong side??? OMG!

smd4

Yep.

TiHabanero

The bike is ugly. Paint it. I'll add that there is no "correct" side to the QR lever on the front. It works the same from either side.

smd4

Sure there is.
It’s like putting your seat on backwards or road bike handlebars with the drops pointing straight up. You can do it but…why??

Ironfish653

I'm not a GT fanboy, but the paint on that one looks way too nice to strip. GT 'Team Scream' is an icon of 1990's MTB, like the 'Miami Vice' paint schemes are to Ironman Centurions. It'd be a shame to make it 'plain'
It's not a Zaskar or an Avalanche, but the Bravado was firmly in the realm of 'raceable' MTBs. I've said it many times, NORBA race bikes make really bangin' street bikes.

alcjphil

I agree. That paint is iconic, maybe not to everyone's taste but the condition is so good that it would be a shame to change it. That said, it is your bike to do with as you wish so my opinion has as much worth as the electrons used to write this opinion. Have fun with your new bike

Steel Charlie

It's difficult to make an anality judgement usually, but sometimes ....

John Nolan 

It's your bike, but I wouldn't repaint. I think it's cool. I find that odd paint choices grow on you after you use the bike for a while.

smd4

Is "anality" even a word? (And actually, it's the entire wheel that's on wrong; the tire label should face the right side).

In cycling, as in life, there are "norms." There are certain things you certainly can do if you want, but you just look dorky doing it. Putting eyelashes on your car's headlights. Putting plastic pink flamingos in your front yard. Wearing white socks with shorts and sandals. Wine coolers. Mullets. You get the idea. And putting your front quick release lever on the right side is right up there with the best of 'em. "Anality" notwithstanding.

flipchip

You're absolutely right about NORBA bikes. This thing is my "urban assault" bike and its feels faster than my road bike. Could be placebo, but every time I ride it I come away pleasantly surprised, if not amazed. Then again this is my first "race"-tier bike, most everything else I've ridden could be classified as higher-end sport.

flipchip

Actually I think the wheel was built up "wrong". The hub and rim are in opposing directions, at least relative to the back wheel. I haven't touched it much since purchasing it from the original owner.

flipchip

Seems that the consensus is between "don't touch it" or "let it grow on you". It's been a few days and its bothering me less and less so I might just leave it. Though I'll definitely be looking for some black hardware in the future. The silver accents on the wheels and crank arms just don't work.

wrk101

I avoid painting bikes for three reasons.

1. To do a good job is expensive. Simple, cheaper jobs tend to have durability issues.

2. Its only original once.

3. I love patina, and I like vintage styling.

Having collected antiques for over 50 years, I learned a hard lesson that refinishing a piece is costly and a value destroyer. I learned to appreciate patina! I like when a bike shows its age. If I want shiny and bright, I just buy something new.

I'm working on a 1969 Frejus right now. It will have plenty of patina!