The bike has just a few tiny chips. (Incredible, considering the bike was purchased in California new, ridden, and when the owner moved to Long Island brought it with him). Maybe the paint was improved as the years wore on. I have a white 1989 Criterium that I purchased from a local seller a few years ago. He was a real clean freak with his bikes, and treated them with love. To this day, there isn't a chip on it.