Is this normal or am I just paranoid.
 

I got a custom order Panasonic NJS stamped track frame around 3 months ago. Had it drilled, put a brake on, ride it everyday and it gets banged around a bit. All was fine until I accidentally banged the fork on something. Big flaking chip.... almost as if the paint is a crusty hovering shell on the forks. Forks are glossy and un-sanded underneath and I dont see a hint of primer. hit the other fork blade as well, same deal. The frame has been banged around a little and no chips on there... what do you all think? Should I complain or is it my fault.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FRVDahkFSTA/Sq...0/IMG_0196.JPG

looks like it wasn't properly painted.

I don't claim to be a paint expert but that looks to me like it wasn't properly prepped prior to painting.

I don't know how common that is but a coworker of mine had the hood of his relatively new car repainted (under warranty) recently for a similar issue.

Stainless fork? If so, Delorean's had the same problem - paint doesn't stick to it well. Needs powder coating.

Looks to be chrome. Paint doesn't tend to stick to chrome. You have to remember that an NJS frame isn't built and finished for street riding.

It isn't uncommon for frames and forks to be chromed before painting. It protects the frame in case the paint is damaged. Chrome showing from under the paint makes a bike look pretty awesome.

Are you afraid people will know you ride your bike?

A solid question.

Looks like they painted over a chromed fork...that's kinda' interesting. Bang the rest of the paint off and ride a chromed fork, or take it to a powder coat shop and have them fix it once and for all.

Negative,

Just paranoid I spent a bundle of money on something which was incorrectly manufactured.

that is a silly question.

Where was this custom frame painted, the factory or by an importer? I know Torelli frames are painted after they arrive here from Italy.

you already ruined that fork by drilling it:thumb: ...but yes, it is your fault.

this

it's an njs track frame, they are cromed before they are painted. the paint usually sucks and is very thin just like paint on italian frames.

Great info. Thanks. I'm not really into the whole chrome fork thing so that isn't an option. do you think they would bother to prime the fork. I found a little chip in the frame and it looks like a standard chip with primer underneath. don't mind those.

What was "custom" about it?

It looks like the fork was chromed under the paint. What's the problem?

last time i check the hefty 900+ dollar price tag allowed you to put your name or whatever you wanted to write on the frame

and be more careful on your super expensive super awesome frame?

Custom meaning made to order according to my measurements, paint choice etc... they are quite a bit cheaper here in japan than abroad. thanks for the info all.

lol at this thread, and not knowing what you buy.

lol'd hard.

NJS doesn't mean chromed.

this. or just strip paint from fork. chrome fork ftw!

Unless the bike's a wall-queen I wouldn't sweat a chip on the paint job, chromed or not.

Seriously. I wish my panasonic had a chromed fork. I think the dings and chips are badass if there's chrome peeking through.

You should forget about it and let that fork accumulate some character.