Scratches on NEW Bike!

[Cyclesome]

I have close to 200 miles on my new Specialized Ruby Pro and last night I notice two relativiely big scratches on both front forks. Do they make touch up paint to fix her? I can see the bare metal. Should I use nail polish or do nothing. I know bikes get scrathes if you use them, but I would like to take the best care of this investment as I can. Any advice is appreciated.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Don't you have any idea how it happened? If you don't, then more scratches are likely to keep happening I would think... :(

[Kalidurga]

My bike is currently wearing more nail polish than my fingers have in the last five years. If you can find the right shade, it works like a charm.

[silver]

I was heartbroken to find some scratches on my Lovely Madone recently. I tried blaming it on Mr. which was rude and selfish and required on apology on my part. :o

I went on a long ride and My Lovely Madone and I had a discussion. We decided that the scratches strengthened our bond because now she has scars like me. :)

[Triskeliongirl]

You do want to do something. I went to an auto supply store and bought some car touch up paint for my babies. The selection is usually excellent, but bring your bike with you to be sure.

[sundial]

Cyclesome, I would contact Specialized or a dealer and see if they have touch up paint for your new bike. I noticed on the website they have touch up paint for 2001-2004 models. Maybe there's some for your new Ruby?

[Bad JuJu]

If the bike builder doesn't offer touch-up paint, you can use the paint they use on model cars/airplanes--it comes in scads of different colors and includes that tiny little brush on the cap, just like in nail polish.

[SadieKate]

What do you mean by you "can see the bare metal?" Isn't that a carbon fork?

http://specialized.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/specialized.cfg/php/enduser/fattach_get.php?p_sid=7xU5CuIi&p_tbl=9&p_id=1076&p_created=1126027619

Deep scratches in carbon need to be looked at by your LBS. Don't cover them up until you know a little more.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What do you mean by you "can see the bare metal?" Isn't that a carbon fork?

http://specialized.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/specialized.cfg/php/enduser/fattach_get.php?p_sid=7xU5CuIi&p_tbl=9&p_id=1076&p_created=1126027619

Deep scratches in carbon need to be looked at by your LBS. Don't cover them up until you know a little more.

Yikes!! Maybe those are CRACKS, not scratches!!---especially if you have one on either side of the fork! :eek: Get it checked out, like SadieKate suggests.

[Blueberry]

Interesting to note that Specialized recommends replacement after 3 years of use (the fork only, I think). Anyone regularly doing that??

[Python]

Does sound like it could be cracks. Have you got a pic you could post?

[Cyclesome]

I have no idea how this happened!! I keep my Ruby inside the house to prevent this from happening. It has never been dropped nor fallen nor have I have an accident with her. I am totally clueless as to how this happened. I called the LBS where I purchsed this bike and they indicated to me they have severed all ties with Specialized for the 2008 season, differences of business practices I was told. My Specialized was on a bike rack close to my husband's bike when we were traveling to Md. for a ride.

[Blueberry]

I'd worry that that has abraded the carbon. See if you can find another local specialized dealer to take a looksee. It sucks that your LBS won't help you because they no longer carry the brand....

CA

[mimitabby]

I have no idea how this happened!! I keep my Ruby inside the house to prevent this from happening. It has never been dropped nor fallen nor have I have an accident with her. I am totally clueless as to how this happened. I called the LBS where I purchsed this bike and they indicated to me they have severed all ties with Specialized for the 2008 season, differences of business practices I was told. My Specialized was on a bike rack close to my husband's bike when we were traveling to Md. for a ride.

boy, that's small photo!

[Python]

Don't think much of your LBS. It would only take seconds to tell you if it is a scratch or a crack and whether they deal with Specialized or not since you bought the bike there you'd think for good customer relations they could look at it for you:mad:

Sounds like it could possibly be stress fractures.

Any possibility of getting a bigger picture?

[Cyclesome]

A bigger picture. Hope this helps. I am sure my LBS would take a look at it, but I am about a 1 1/2 hours away and plan on going there hopefully next week.