Road Cycling - New Road bike-paint chipped-pic and advice

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Devil Dog
08-05-03, 01:32 PM
I just got this new Bianchi Vigorelli and as I was unpacking it I noticed that the hole where the front brake caliber attaches has a small chip missing from the paint. I can see bare metal there now. This was a fairly expensive bike and based on the advice I get here will determine whether or not it goes back or can I possibly put a dab of nail polish enamel or bike touch up paint on the exposed spot? Its in a spot that will get moisture in and around it as its right in the front. Looks like in taking it apart to ship the BS where I bought the bike took the brake off and some of the paint came off with it. Heres a couple pics to help assess the damage. Also, how big of a deal is it going to be for me to put this bike back together again or should I bring it to my excellant LBS and have the head wrench do it for me? Thank you.

For some reason I can't post a pic directly here so here's the links to the pics.



pic1 (www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/bike.jpg)

pic2 (www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/bianchi2.jpg)

pic3 (www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/bianchi3.jpg)

pic4 (www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/bianchi4.jpg)

pic5 (www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/bianchi5.jpg)

pic6 (www.mindspring.com/~ls1417/bianchi6.jpg)

dwatson
08-05-03, 02:02 PM
That chip is not a big deal. I would just seal the area and the brake hide. As far as putting the bike together, it should be straigh forward. Bolt the front brake on, install the bars and seat and your are done. Take it for a ride and make sure everything is working, shifters and the brakes. If not, you can try to adjust them or take it to the LBS.
Dave
sibelius
08-05-03, 02:15 PM
Hi Devil Dog,

Nice bike. :)

I own a bianchi giro, and let me tell you the paint on it is terrible. It chips like crazy, especially on the drop outs and fork end...just flakes off on its own. Not only that, but rocks and other debris that hit the bottom bracket take off bits of paint as well. Not to mention I accidently let the chain slip backwards one time while removing it, and it made some nice teeth marks on the right seat stay. :( I still feel like an idiot for that one.

Anyway, if your bianchi's paint is like mine, I wouldn't really bother returning it, because most likely the next bianchi is going to have chips here and there as well (or soon will after a few rides). My vote would be just to patch that up with some clear nail polish.

Another thing...the cables on my giro were routed really weird. The front deraileur cable rubs against the downtube. I went to my lbs to see if they could fix it, but one of the mechs there owns the same bike and has the same problem. He said he tried a bunch of things, but nothing really worked. I ended up putting some clear tape where it rubs to prevent a nice gash from forming.