Advice needed on getting my bike painted

[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(?).

[ivorygorgon]

Thank you Pinkbikes for the information. I think we will look into that. DH can do the tear down and rebuild. All we would need to do is find a painter. I didn't know those other places would consider a bicycle.