custom bike vs paint job?

[divingbiker]

Help me think this through.

I’ve been thinking seriously about ordering a new custom bike. Haven’t decided whether it would be steel or titanium, but we’re talking $5-6000.

But now that I’ve had my current road bike—a 2005 Specialized Sequoia Comp--fitted to me, I really like it and am not feeling quite as urgent a need for a new bike. It’s aluminum with a carbon fork, seat stays, and seatpost, and ultegra/dura ace components, and is a nice bike.

The problem is that I really don’t like the color. It’s plain aluminum with a clearcoat, so basically a silver bike. Boring! I want to paint it red. Sparkly, gaudy, ruby slippers red.

So here’s what I’m thinking now. My nephew has a new powder coating business in Nebraska, and I’ll have my bike out there in June when I do a 5-day tour. So, I could have a shop take all the parts off my bike, have my nephew powder coat it, have the shop put it back together and ship it back to me. (Or I could just have my nephew ship it to me in pieces and have my LBS put it back together. Thoughts on that?)

So I’d have a “new” bike for less than 10% of the cost of a custom bike. (I know, it’s not the same thing, but I really do think my current bike is “enough bike” for me at my current weight, fitness, skill, speed, etc.)

Then I could spend the 5 grand on a dive trip to Indonesia, or do the responsible thing and save it for retirement.

What would you do?

[DebW]

Help me think this through.

I’ve been thinking seriously about ordering a new custom bike. Haven’t decided whether it would be steel or titanium, but we’re talking $5-6000.

So here’s what I’m thinking now. My nephew has a new powder coating business in Nebraska, and I’ll have my bike out there in June when I do a 5-day tour. So, I could have a shop take all the parts off my bike, have my nephew powder coat it, have the shop put it back together and ship it back to me. (Or I could just have my nephew ship it to me in pieces and have my LBS put it back together. Thoughts on that?)

So I’d have a “new” bike for less than 10% of the cost of a custom bike. (I know, it’s not the same thing, but I really do think my current bike is “enough bike” for me at my current weight, fitness, skill, speed, etc.)

Then I could spend the 5 grand on a dive trip to Indonesia, or do the responsible thing and save it for retirement.

What would you do?

The powder coating sounds like a great option. Since you are really liking this bike now (and it's got great specs, even rack mounts), I'd say be responsible with your money. [Note that I spent $6K on a custom bike last year, but I hadn't bought a new bike in 25 years.] I'd suggest having the bare frame shipped back to you, as you'd save shipping costs. Maybe you can carry most of the parts back with you, wheels being the only delicate thing to worry about. Do find a good shop to do the reassembly, because sometimes the bottom bracket and head tube need reaming/facing/thread chasing if paint has gotten on the faces or inside.

[Trek420]

If you love the bike, it fits you, get it painted!

After about 20 years I painted my commuter. Jobob recently repainted her Riv through the same shop.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=8295

[7rider]

Well, as much as I am a supporter of custom titanium Sevens....and would offer my bikes up for test rides...you don't need to be Lance to ride a custom bike...
My financial advisor would say that working with what you have would be more prudent. If it ain't broke...don't fix it.
(But what's the fun in that, says the little devil on my left shoulder???)
My only concern would be ... and this is only because I am ignorant of the process ... is how would the powdercoat process affect the carbon seat stays? Would it affect them at all?? I would check with your nephew on the process and see if it would in any way impact the bonding process of the aluminum to the carbon -- especial with regards to your warranty through Specialized. Would your nephew mask the stays and keep them nekkid?
But...if the powdercoat process is safe for the frame, go for it. Pick something way cool and sparkly.

[mimitabby]

I agree, if you love the bike except for its color, have it painted. you will have all the pleasure of seeing your new bike, and depending on how spectacular the paint job; you will be stopped by strangers admiring your bike!

[HillSlugger]

I love my silver Sequoia and my silver Allez because you can do great things with colored accessories. I also know how much you love red bikes. Paint it!

[divingbiker]

I think the seat stays and fork are bolted on, so they could be removed and only the frame would be painted.

What about decals? Do they go on before or after the clearcoat? I think powder coating involves baking, so I wonder if they burn up?

Can you get aftermarket decals? If yes, should I, or should I leave it nekkid?

I know so little about this...

(Love what you've done with the blue and red accents, Nicole.)

[Zen]

you can do great things with colored accessories.

And a dive trip a little closer to home?