MitchL

I just got a new Surly Cross Check frame set and it arrived today!

But there are some scrapes and imperfections on it. Where there are scrapes it is right down through all the coats of paint to the bare frame. Should I contact the company about this? Or is it normal for frames to not be perfect?

scratches on dropout
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scrape on derailer hanger
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scatch on other dropout
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scratches on seatpost clamp
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L messed up on logo
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CliftonGK1

Your dropout and hanger will get banged up in a month anyhow. Let it slide.
Send 'em the picture of the seat collar and see if they'll comp you a new one.
Don't sweat the fork decal. They'll all look like that soon enough anyhow.

I have an '08 Cross Check, and it's seen its fair share of scrapes and dings. Mine actually had a little ding in the top tube when I received it, but it was insignificant so I let it go.

531phile 

I'd be more concerned about that crappy puke looking color...I kid. I kid.

Are you going to ride it or frame it and hang it on a wall. Those are very minor imperfections.

It's a Surly they are meant to be ridden hard. You are just ahead of the game when it comes to battle scars on the frame.

LeeG

looks good enough to build up. Yes it's normal for production frames to be scratched here or there. The only time I'd expect a perfect frame is a custom one that's wrapped up in bubble wrap that's an inch thick and I spent $1500 on it, and it'll end up getting scratched in a couple weeks worth of riding. I've got a black Cross Check with black cloth tape wrapped along the top tube for when it's leaning and locked against a metal sign post.

LeeG

spray can of brown and black rustoleum would fix that.

alan s 

I would be pissed off if someone tried to sell me that frame as "new." I alone caused every scratch and ding in the paint on bikes I bought new - they didn't come that way - and if they had, I would have demanded a significant price reduction. Who did you buy it from?

If you buy a new frame, it should be in mint condition. I would definitely return it or get a partial refund for the damaged paint/decals and seat collar. It's unbelievable a reputable dealer would try to pass this off as new, unless the damage was somehow caused during shipping, and it was sent out in perfect condition. Even in that case, the dealer or shipping company would still be responsible.

Let us know what happens. I'm in the market to buy a new frame, and want to know who to avoid or to go to.

ItsJustMe

I think all bikes and cars should come pre-scratched, to get the anxiety out of the way. Seriously, so what?

xtrajack

+1 (at least)

NormanF

If you're not happy with the color, fork over the money for a powder-coating - now wait a minute - for $1600, Surly bikes ARE powder-coated!

Seattle Forrest

Now that it's scratched, you don't have to worry about the first one.

CliftonGK1

I don't see any clamp dimples on that dropout, or scarring that indicates it ever had a derailleur on that hanger. It's new.
Is it comic book "mint in bag" new condition? No.
Is it $400 "Surlys are probably gonna get beat up anyhow" new condition? Yes.

I'd kvetch if it was a $2500 custom Boxer or Steve Rex. Not for a $400 Taiwanese assembly line frame.
If I owned a shop and you demanded a "significant" reduction for that minimal aesthetic damage, I might chop off $10 so you could go to the hobby shop and buy some model paint and a brush, and I'd order you a new fork decal.
The seat collar is the only significant scarring that should be replaced on that frame.

Bikes get beat up, plain and simple. Eventually it's going to look like that anyhow, so why sweat such a minor issue from the start?

alan s 

Yeah, Surlys are going to get beat up, but by me, not by someone in a warehouse who couldn't give a damn.

MitchL

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not going to contact the business about it. The messed up fork decal kinda sucks, but I don't really care about the scratches... even the seat clamp. I was mostly worried that maybe it wasn't actually a new frame. I've dealt with the business in the past and have been really happy, so I was disappointed that they would send a "damaged" frame... but it doesn't seem like the scratches and stuff is too out of the ordinary for a frame in that price range. So I won't hold it against them.

MilitantPotato

Call surly for the decal. They sent me one because the '09 didn't have Fatties Fit Fine on the chainstay when my ex wife wanted it.
They seemed happy to send it (free of charge no less.)

MitchL

How would I remove / apply the decals? Are they under a clear coat?

Should I put some rustomleum over the scratches or will they be fine?

The color was not my first choice, but I think it will grow on me... and I kinda like having an "ugly" bike.

unterhausen

that thing is "shop-worn" -- it was mishandled. I would tell them to send me $60 and call it even.

MilitantPotato

The decal just sticks on. Which is why they come off so easily.

I'd get some matching paint made up ($$), or apply clear nail polish (this is what surly told my wife to do) over the scratch to prevent rust.

Surly can send ya the color code for the paint if you go that route.

MilitantPotato

I'd get a new seat collar from them and be alright with it.
Actually, I'd just put some black paint on it or some sharpie and feel like less of a pretentious ass.

waynesworld

+1

irclean

My Norco came with a little bottle of touch-up paint. IMHO that should be standard practice with a new bike (or frame).

diff

I actually took off the fatty fit fine decal from my steamroller. I just used a credit card and scraped it off. Pain in the ass really. Would love to get them all off but would take too much time.

Maybe using a hair dryer to heat them up first would make it easier.

CliftonGK1

Surlys are powdercoated, not painted. Not that a matching paint will make a difference in protecting the metal.

I used a heat gun and a plastic scraper to take mine off.

531phile 

Next time you buy a frame. Give it a good look over and if you see the same types of scratches ask for a percentage off. Most places will give you a few bucks off due to the imperfections.

jeffpoulin

I bought a Crosscheck frameset from Wiggle in the UK last month. Mine had no imperfections at all. Truly mint condition. I know it'll get scratched up with use, but I would have been pretty annoyed had it come pre-scratched.

irclean

I stand corrected, and a little embarrassed. Would clear nail polish provide any protection, as was mentioned by a previous poster? I'm asking because my bike has a few scratches too, and I would like to know if I should do more than just apply a little of my touch-up paint. I have a steel frame and I would like to protect it from the elements. BTW I do plan to drop the BB and headset next month to apply some rustproofing, but that's on the inside.