top506

Tax season has presented me with a surplus of play money, for a change. I'm considering sending the Mirella frame and fork to CyclArt (or any other such shop) to have it refinished. Has anyone here done business with these folks (or recommend some one else)? It's really too nice a bike for my usual powdercoat and Velocal job.

Top

LeicaLad 

Very, very fine work.

Keith Anderson is also very good. Google his name.

Joe Bell is yet one more.

None of them are cheap, but each does fabulously fine work.

rccardr 

Add Al Wanta to the list. I own four Wanta resprays, each is a masterpiece.

fender1

I remember some forum member having a very difficult time with Cycle Art. IIRC, they maid him pay for pictures of the work in progress and were months late on their estimated completion date. I have had very good results with Bilenky Cycle Works (in Philadelphia) and Franklin frames. Franklin used to do the paint for Bilenky and other frame builders as well.

CV-6 

IMO CyclArt is way overpriced. But to each his own. Franklin Frame is my framework/painter of choice.

CO_Hoya 

Spectrum Powderworks is another option. I've only heard good things.

repechage

Shinibop (sp) or similar had a Colnago repainted and seat stays replaced it came together in the end but he went through the wringer, Drilliumdude I think also had some work done.

In the second, third and fourth posts are some good selections if you are willing to ship a frame cross country, I am going to look into Al Wanta, also on the West Coast but I live within same day driving distance.

Personally, if I was east of the Mississippi I would look on that side of the country. I really like the images of Keith's work, but my only hesitation is the shipment and I am in Southern California.

fietsbob

You want reproduction decals under clear coat? with your new Paint?

gomango 

I've seen two Wanta resprays now and they are very nice.

I must add Chris Kvale to this list though.

If it were mine, I would drive it over to him and have a nice chat.

An up and comer to watch is forum member Sloar. I wouldn't underestimate him.

He works really hard to get it right and he's learning very quickly.

JJScaliger

I would keep it in New England and either send your bike to Hot Tubes or Circle A.

https://www.hottubes.com/Home.html

https://www.circleacycles.com/

They both do great work.

sloar 

Thank you Grady. I do plan on doing more frames, maybe someday I can at least be at the bottom of the recommended list.

gomango 

You'll be as good as you want to be.

You are talented and you listen to people.

You just need to paint more frames to hone your skills.

They already are nice.

Now, we just need to get you going on some House of Kolor colors and you'll be cooking with gas.

jimmuller 

Top, I'm with JJS on this. Consider Hottubes in Shirley or Circle-A in Providence. Hottubes (Toby Stanton) did my Masi for less than Circle-A would have charged. He also claims to be the only person in N.Am. authorized to paint a Cervelo.

I considered Cyclart but thought they might be more expensive and take longer. In the end a deciding factor was that I didn't like that idea of them putting their own decal on the chain stay. I don't plan on selling the bike as original and a few details aren't correct anyway, but that was just a step too far for my taste. However YMMV.

bconneraz

I've used both Waterford and Cyclart for re-finishes. I was delighted with the work from Waterford, and would use them again. My next project however, is going to Joe Bell. I've seen a lot of his work, and really want him to spray my frame.

gaucho777 

+1. I find the CycleArt respray decal they insist on using a bit too conspicuous.

Also, sometimes I find the resprays (CycleArt and others, too) to look too glossy, especially with older Italian frames that did not have that "wet" look. Not necessarily a bad thing, unless matching the original finish is important to you.

rootboy 

Important point, Gaucho777. While I haven't had it done, many of the respray pics I see seem too glossy and often too thick. Is that a function of the paints they all use? Two part Urethanes, etc. I wonder how one achieves that plain , old "thin" enamel look like most bikes of the period back in the 70's. I'm assuming they just used standard enamels back then.

sloar 

Now, we just need to get you going on some House of Kolor colors and you'll be cooking with gas. [/QUOTE]




I can spray any type of paint, but that's when the prices go through the roof. Paint has gotten very expensive.

RobbieTunes 

+1 on Hot Tubes. Toby Stanton is very good.

thunderworks

There's a custom builder in Iowa who does incredibly nice work - both as a builder and as a custom painter. Google his name, Jeff Bock, for contact info. He's been building bikes since 1974. He's really good.

Frogbutter 

Chris has 2 of my frames right now.

Give Chris a call:
Chris Kvale Cycles
2637 27th Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-724-8843

https://www.chriskvalecycles.com/CKC/Home.html

Grand Bois

Not always. That wet look is an option. They can also do a finish that looks original and they even offer to add patina.

That doesn't mean that I recommend Cyclart.

repechage

I can spray any type of paint, but that's when the prices go through the roof. Paint has gotten very expensive.[/QUOTE]


There is a sunk cost on paint. When one commits to a toner set and you can mix your own the "per bike" cost can drop but the overhead goes way up.
There are some bikes like Gios that come to mind and most of that brand anyway will be one color, Gios Blue... HofK Marine Blue over red oxide primer is as good as you are going to get by the way.
But those kind of examples are few and far between.

repechage

The logo and that Cat. I, Cat II finish tag is for me a deal breaker. I understand the desire to "sign" the work, place the transfer on the fork steerer then. Otherwise it is just free advertising.

Drillium Dude 

I'd pick sloar over CyclArt. And yes, I'm being serious.

If you'd like to know why, check out this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...er+restoration

Or PM me for details; to much to list here and I already hijacked a thread earlier in the week

DD

Mansram01

I had my Mirella done at Cyclart. They do an absolutely excellent job. They may be on the expensive side but you do get what you pay for. They painted it Masi Champagne and re-did the decals on the frame plus the clearcoat. I eventually sold the bike but it came out spectacular.