While I wait for my new 105 nameplate to arrive, I thought what the hell, I've even managed over the past year to keep the bar tape on this bike sparkling white (tried every concoction known to man, baking soda, lemon juice, oxy cleaners, etc and hands down Westley's Bleche White (used for whitewall/white letter tires on cars) remains the best) so I may as well SEE if I can touch up the brifter to make it more presentable.

Testors makes a model paint called Flat Rubber, but at the store it showed really brown, so I got just flat black, along with excellent little sponges to apply it.

I have to say, the brifter turned out much better than expected. And yes, the OCD in me will be ordering replacement pedals...





All that remains are a few hairline scratches on the gloss black lever; tried some plastic polish on a test spot to no avail, but no biggie - just thought I'd try.