Retro Build: Bling vs. Manufacturer Spec

[ez054098]

I have been a member for about 1 1/2 years. I have followed different retro build threads and have observed two different schools of thought. Those who bling their bikes with after market parts and those who adhere to the original build spec from the manufacturer. There are combinations of of the two and as long as they stick to a certain period in history, they are accepted.

For me, whenever I bought a bike, I usually replaced the brakes, seat post, cranks, stems, etc.. I always viewed the stock Shimano parts as a little "boring." I mean, how can you compare a Cook Bros crank to a XT crank? No comparison in my opinion.

That being said, I also love to see a totally period correct 1990s Klein, Yeti, Merlin, etc.

So which do you prefer?

 

[videojetman]

this.

 

[FST4RD]

Me personally bling...
I build my bikes for me, if people don't like it too bad

 

[GoldenEraMTB]

It depends on the age of the bike:
1980's: must be period correct, but some fun can be had with hot rodding with bmx type parts and other crossovers- touring, road, etc...

1990's: period correctness not as essential, due to the exploding aftermarket of the time, with many upstarts producing cool cnc/ano/lightening/etc parts; just don't go way off when it comes to forks/travel/speeds/etc; most were upgrading their bikes with newer and newer parts, but no one had an actual Delorean with a flux capacitor.

late 1990's and 21st century: what's that?

 

[Chute55uk]

I want to keep my trek period original as that's how I got it and I don't think I could find another that is 100% original. But the gt I would 'pimp' to the max funding adjusted of course as I am rather gangster I feel.

 

[ez054098]

It depends on the age of the bike:
1980's: must be period correct, but some fun can be had with hot rodding with bmx type parts and other crossovers- touring, road, etc...

1990's: period correctness not as essential, due to the exploding aftermarket of the time, with many upstarts producing cool cnc/ano/lightening/etc parts; just don't go way off when it comes to forks/travel/speeds/etc; most were upgrading their bikes with newer and newer parts, but no one had an actual Delorean with a flux capacitor.

late 1990's and 21st century: what's that?

I find that answer very cool. I had a late 80s Mountain Klein that I owned until 94. From the time I bought it until the time I sold the frame and fork, I was continually upgrading it.

Also, when I bought my 2000 Klein Attitude, I outfitted it with mostly early 90s parts from my old Mountain Klein.

 

[Chris]

I always modded my bikes in the day so no different now, never liked manufacturers choice of finishing kit.

Saying that though trying to build a full period 80's bike is fun

 

[NAILTRAIL96]

I have bikes to ride so whatever works best for me goes.
I do like the see the "finds" with all the correct parts, though I'm not sure I'd have the patience to try and track down obscure parts from the late 80's.
Kudos to those who do.

 

[MikeD]

"Bling" and "period correct" are not mutually exclusive

 

[BoyBurning]

"Bling" and "period correct" are not mutually exclusive

Yep, beat me to that one Mike...

'Bling' and 'Catalogue Spec' might be different however of course...


BB