Sure it's great when a bicycle (or other object of value) has been well-preserved enough that it retains its original paint job - and frame integrity. What value does said frame then have when the paint job does not achieve one of its primary functions - to preserve the metal frame that lies underneath? If a paint job is also there to aesthetically please the eye, with an eye-catching color scheme, is the eye as pleased when the paint has lost its luster or has become chipped, scratched, or faded? When it comes to aesthetics, we are then moving from objectivity (ability to preserve the metal underneath the paint) to subjectivity (what pleases the eye) and that is obviously where many people choose to differ. When?I repainted my Davidson, I chose not to go with the original color, but with something completely unique and different (as befits my personality). As the owner (original, if that matters) I can do with as?I please with my purchase, and the current paint job is not only functional (preserves the frame) but is also eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing. I have had many positive comments on the paint job, and people in my club who do not know me by name certainly know me as "the fast guy with the purple Davidson." That the paint job preserves the frame so the bike can be used for its primary purpose - to ride - is fundamental; that the paint job is aesthetically pleasing is a bonus and adds to the enjoyment of just looking at the bike, even though?I have seen it hundreds of times.
What it comes down to is a matter of subjectivity, and what pleases the eyes of some may not please the eyes of others. Here we can choose to differ, as is our right; but to disparage others simply because their tastes are different... words escape me here, in an attempt to keep the tone civil and polite. If the owner of the frame requested a specific paint job and the painter delivered it, then both are satisfied. If you don't like what you're looking at, then don't look at it, or buy it, for that matter. As long as the seller is not misrepresenting a frame if it is up for sale, then it's up to the tastes of the buyer as to whether the paint job is suitable and pleasing or not. I've looked at many pictures of well-preserved and also refurbished bikes and wondered what the heck the factory (or owner, if it was their request) was thinking when they chose a particular color scheme - but didn't feel the need to disparage either for their choice. I simply chose not to look at and not to buy or own. I especially don't feel the need to tear into the painter if he/she was simply complying with the customer's request.
That refurbished Colnago frame in question will be around for a long time, and will be pleasing to look at by many if not most. Like we used to say back in Brooklyn - "I'd hit it!."
Paul "I'd hit it" Andrews Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA
-----Original Message----- From: crumpy6204@aol.com To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Wed, Jul 1, 2009 10:10 am Subject: [CR] To refinish or not?
I have read all the posts re, repaint (?Respray)etc. It is now 2009 that means that a most of the bikes that I have are at least 50+ years old, NOT to mention that they,in most cases have been riden who know how many?thousand miles and in all kinds of weather (BRIT weather), Some of my frames have had a transfer "Rustproofed by a SPECIAL? process" BUT what problems lurk beneath the surface? MY thoughts are, IF you OR the futurs owner?are hoping to still have,say 50years from now?ANYTHING left of the machine, You HAVE to strip the bloody thing NOW to the bare metal, remove any and all rust?and imperfections, THEN repaint (Spray) with a finish that is up to TODAY'S best standards,USING TODAY'S High tech materials? This is of course assuming that you are going to use the bike for the purpose it was intended AND BUILT?for?TO RIDE and NOT to hang on the wall like some trophy you bumped off on a safari. The thicker the paint and the clear coat THE BETTER,?Preserve the finish as BEST you can, WHO needs a rust bucket, want to hit a bump in the road and have the bottom bracket FALL OFF! ? Want to Win the prize for the "BEST CRUMMY BUT ORIGINAL?FINISH?BIKE "??of the?show? Who cares if it is shinny?and?glossy and not like it was 50+ years ago.AT LEAST NOW it??SHOULD last ANOTHER 50yrs so that the next?generation can get some us out of it? PRESERVE AND RESTORE like Jan said,?Like the vintahe car guys do. Cheers John Crump Old&IDOneedrestoringBrit.Paker.Co USA