Advice needed on getting my bike painted

[Trek420]

Two months!!!! I can't be off my bike for two months!!! (I live in San Diego and ride all year).

Does anyone know if 2 months is typical or can I look around and find someone who can do it faster?

We've had two bikes powder coated by the same guy; Chris Robinson of Robinson Wheelworks. Well, technically his paint elves do that. He strips the bike and then re-builds. I don't recall how long it took but less than 2 months. He re-painted my errand bike. I have more than one bike and see that you do too. Problem solved.

[dianne_1234]

Joe Bell in Spring Valley? He's the best, wouldn't surprise me if his wait time is 2 months. But you'll LOVE the paint you get!

http://www.campyonly.com/joebell.html

[ivorygorgon]

Diane: Yes, it was Joe Bell, but the wait list isn't two months - he wants to keep the bike for two months!! No can do!!

[Cataboo]

Is the decal on top of the paint? Can you take it off and just have a plain white bike? And then spruce up that bike with handlebar tape or grips or other accessories?

[indysteel]

Or just get new decals.

Joe Bell is The Man when it comes to bike paint, and his prices and wait time reflect that. My guess is that there are cheaper paint options out there, with less down time. Frankly, if it were me, I'd just replace the decals if possible and save that money toward an upgraded frame. Don't get me wrong; there's nothing wrong with AL frames or wanting your bike to be pretty, but I've seen more people than I can count who eventually decide they want a carbon or steel bike for what often is a more comfortable ride. Just something to consider....

[ivorygorgon]

The decals are under a top coat or clear coat. I actually wouldn't mind the white bike with different decals.

I don't see myself getting a new bike soon. I really like the bike and I think it rides just fine.

[PinkBike]

i think your bike is aluminum so i think any auto body shop could do it, if you have your LBS tear it down then you send the frame and fork to a painter. i've had 4 bikes painted--1 by a bicycle painter, one by a motorcycle painter, one by powdercoat and one by a boat painter (excellent with fiber). they were all in the $200's. the bike shop charged about $90 i think to tear down then rebuild. the motorcycle guy was able to replicate the decals in my chosen color. the boat guy did a beautiful fade from yellow to white. i had a bargain car paint chain do a fork once and they didnt even sand, just painted over the previous high gloss. this pink was done by the motorcycle guy. see the trek logo (and my name on the seat tube) in gray and white. took maybe 3 weeks(?).