Should I commute in snow with nuovo record on titanium (1976 Speedwell) frame, or will that be ruining a classic?

Hi!

I just bought a titanium speedwell bike, with a full nuovo record groupset. My plan is to make this my main bike, for year-round commuting here in Stockholm Sweden.

But, given its age, historical and monetary value, I am a bit worried it is a waste of a classic.

Would it withstand such a use, or should I just stick to my boring specialized and keep the speedwell for sunny summer days?

Attached is what it looks like now, I'll swap the bars for drops and add a front rack, otherwise keeping it original.

If any Swedes are reading this, here's some more info on it: http://www.cykelhobby.com/executive.htm

1 Attachment

Personally I’d have something I didn’t mind sliding down the road for my commuter when the weather is bad. That looks a lovely bike don’t bust it...

To answer the original thread title:

No

Yes

They're right. Don't do it!

Loose the rear rack please.
Is this a museum in the background?

Not my picture I have to add.

@Midi actually it was sold with that rack, see also below :)

Mine is identical - but it came without the rear rack and mudguards. Even the brake hoods, saddle and bar tape are original on mine, and same as on the pic. The chain on it is still in good nick, not stretched out at all, and looks original, so I kind of seem to have gotten one that wasn't used much since new.

Makes it a shame to even swap out the handlebars come to think of it, but I really do not like those, and do love drops...

Maybe buy new stem and brake levers as well so that the original one can be removed and put back if a museum decides to buy the thing :P

I was thinking, since it is all titanium / aluminium alloys, it wouldn't take that much of a beating with the snow, but OK I'll take your advice :(

Thank you!

Bonus story:

This is one of 50 made, badge has the Swedish bike brand's name "Crescent", gold plated - but the frame was made by Speedwell. Now, mine belonged to the director of the company, who, when he moved out of his house at old age, gave it away to the removals driver. Who in turn sold it to me.

Mine could even be the prototype for the series, since it lacks the badge with the builders signature and number in the series that the others have...

Attached is the ad they ran. I read on the Swedish page linked above that this thing sold for 4000:- SEK in '76, when a good normal bike went for 470:-

I love beautiful bikes, but I'm no collector, I just want a great bike to ride, hence my original question.

A shame not to ride it, but yes, also a shame to ruin it...

The first 50 had Nuovo Record, subsequent bikes had Shimano groupsets.