Bicycle Mechanics - Anyone send their frame to Trek for repainting?

I just stripped my 15 year old Trek 520, boxed it up, and sent it to Wisconsin. Trek is going to put a factory paint job on it complete with decals. I Was wondering if anyone else has done this? Were you pleased with the result?

How much are they charging for this? A good powdercoat can be had for around $100.

Hmmm, a lot more than $100. They are charging $280.

I just stripped my 15 year old Trek 520, boxed it up, and sent it to Wisconsin. Trek is going to put a factory paint job on it complete with decals. I Was wondering if anyone else has done this? Were you pleased with the result?

I also have a 1986 520 (Cirrus) with the gray metallic/red combo. What color is yours? I've found the Red using some of my wife's nail polish but have yet to find a color match for the metallic. Send me the contact at Trek. Thanks.

Riding buddy of mine just got his 5500 re-painted by Trek. Not the cheapest option, but they did all the decal work and this thing looks brand spanking new. Hey, it's a factory paint job. Doesn't get any better than that.

Wait. You already stripped the whole thing down to just the frame and they're STILL charging $280???? That's pretty lame, especially since the bike is a rolling Trek billboard.

Hmmm, a lot more than $100. They are charging $280.

Well, a factory paint job isn't quite the same as a powdercoat. A powdercoat looks nice and is durable, but it won't restore it to its original factory appearance.

If you just want durable and a fresh appearance, a powdercoat might be the way to go. If you're really attached to the bike, you like its original look, and you've got the cash, the factory repaint will work better for you.

I also have a 1986 520 (Cirrus) with the gray metallic/red combo. What color is yours? I've found the Red using some of my wife's nail polish but have yet to find a color match for the metallic. Send me the contact at Trek. Thanks.

Mine is the classic green, I think they called it "rain Forest Green" or something like that. It will be the new color, the dark red they call "beaujolais".

I had a little bottle of touchup paint that Trek used to provide (I am not sure if they still do or not, you might want to check with Trek). I had been touching it up over the years. But the paint is starting to bubble under a rust area. According to my bike shop, they will strip it down to the metal before painting.

My bike is a 7 speed but it just runs perfectly. The only fault is the paint so I figured this would be better than buying new.

Wait. You already stripped the whole thing down to just the frame and they're STILL charging $280???? That's pretty lame, especially since the bike is a rolling Trek billboard.

Maybe so. That $280 is the Trek charge (as far as I know).

Riding buddy of mine just got his 5500 re-painted by Trek. Not the cheapest option, but they did all the decal work and this thing looks brand spanking new. Hey, it's a factory paint job. Doesn't get any better than that.
How much did he spend? I have a 1993 5200 that is starting to look a little limp...

I worked at a Trek dealer for many years. Trek's factory repaints are of good quality and worth what they're asking. Unless you want your bike to look like a rolling commercial refrigerator (powder coat) $280 with decals is in a very reasonable range.

I just received my frame from Trek. It is absoultely gorgeous. It looks brand new.
They charged me $192 including shipping. I rebuilt it this afternoon and I am quite happy with it.

Just thought I would provide an update in case anyone is considering this.

Some before and after pictures would be nice. . . .

Jason

Some before and after pictures would be nice. . . .

Jason

Rats, I should have taken a before picture. Here is the after. (the loose wire along the top tube is for the rear light, I have not attached that yet and I have not put on the front rack.

But, this bike is 15 years old, about a bajillion miles in all sorts of weather. And it rides and looks brand new.

Do they paint bikes in their original colors too? I heve several mid 1980s Treks and I would like to restore one like original.

Do they paint bikes in their original colors too? I heve several mid 1980s Treks and I would like to restore one like original.

Nope, not as far as I know. I wanted to get the original green I had. They even replaced the headbadge with a current one. I think it just ends up in the same assembly line as new frames.