I'm in the process of building a bike for commuting/fitness purposes. I've acquired both a Trek 820 and a Bianchi Nyala and I'm using the best of both to make a bike suitable for me.

The 820 is a 13" frame, and way too small for me, the Nyala was neglected, but it's lighter than the 820, has a lugged frame, and properly fits me. 17.5" frame. From what I've swapped over from the 820, I've made the Nyala 3-4 lbs lighter.

Eventually I'd want to upgrade some of the components to make it better. I would really love to paint/powdercoat the frame to make it pop, but a bike shop guy told me not to because it would lose value that way... Isn't there a serial number somewhere on it? What would you guys recommend I do?

Parts from the Nyala:
- Frame
- Fork
- Brakes
- Front Deraileur
- Bottom Bracket
- Stem
- Seat Post

Parts from the 820:
- Handlebar (Bontrager)
- Crankset/Pedals (Suntour)
- Wheels (Bontrager)
- Cassette (Shimano)
- Rear Deraileur (Shimano Acera)
- Water bottle holder (Bontrager)
- Chain

Other:
- Forte Metro K 26x1.25 slicks
- Forte Presta tubes
- Forte Men's Softail
- Forte MTB Grips
- GoPro handlebar mount
- Ziptied led flashlight as headlight

Things I want to do:
- Swap over 820 front deraileur
- Swap over 820 brakes
- Swap over 820 Index Shifters
- PC/Paint frame
- Pedals with cages
- Cell Phone mount
- LED headlight
- LED taillight
- Convert to 7 or 10 speed

Everything has been done over a 1 month period... with more to do.

Pics:


Trek 820 after I did some upgrades to make it more streetable (before I got the Nyala). Forte grips, Forte softail saddle, Forte Metro 1.5 slicks.


Bike the Drive 2012 (Lake Shore Drive)


My dad, sister, and I at Bike the Drive 2012.


Trianchi Eigtala = Nyala/820 Hybrid.


GoPro mount with Swann Freestyle HD camera, and Husky LED Flashlight ziptied on.


LATE Ride 2012


Bike at dawn after LATE Ride.