I'm just wondering what people think of the comparison between a repaint and a powdercoat. Which is generally cheaper? What are the benefits of painting? What are the advantages of powdercoat, and is one really that much better than the other in terms of durability?

Also, if anyone knows of a good and affordable refinisher in Chicago, post it up!

I don't know of anywhere in Chicago, but if you can't find anyone you like there, try Badger coatings in St. Francis, WI(just next to Milwaukee) I have always been really happy with them.

This topic has been done ad nauseam. Do a search for it, and you'll find that there are pros and cons to both. Yer pays yer money and takes yer cherce. Generally PC is cheaper.

Chester cycles

Powder coating tends to be cheaper and more durable, but unless applied carefully it can obliterate fine details like feathered lug edges and cutouts.

If you doing a fairly generic frame, power coating is probably your best bet. For a high end custom lugged frame I'd make sure the powder coater knew how to do it properly or just get a decent paint job.

How much more durable is powdercoat, on a percentage scale?

wet paint with clear can be just as durable. The color coats by themselves are not as durable