We've had this debate before. Not only "period correct" but "spec correct".? I must say I prefer spec correct for the simple reason. If you revere and value the marque, you should at least appreciate the choice of the maker when it came to componentry. That way you are riding what Masi or Raleigh or Peugeot intended.
I suspect this appeals more to Americans used to buying complete bikes than our British friends who seem to have usually bought framesets. Certainly it's easier to spec a bike from a factory list. And with panographed components... well who wouldn't want those?
Having said that, my ongoing Peugeot project runs slightly counter to this. I started with a good, solid '81 PXN-10 frame largely stripped of its original components. So I've decided to outfit her when possible with the choicer components of the PY-10 of the same year. I justify doing this since the PXN-10 frame was actually offered that year as a frameset only, the CFX-10.
"Correct"? Right or wrong? That's for others to say. But when this is all done, I won't be listening but out riding the thing. If it gets over 35 degs that is..
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA