dcbikeguy

Thinking of picking up a new (used) bike, but it has this clear coat "issue". Anybody have any experience repairing this type of thing? It appears to be just cosmetic, but it does seriously reduce any bling points.

DrPete 

Based on the location, I'd say that's from the bars whacking the top tube, and a pretty shotty job of covering it up. Is there a dent there?

dcbikeguy

Dude said it was from a bike shop applying a clamp to hard during a tune up, not sure if this is true of course. He tells me it is merely cosmetic. I hope to check it out tomorrow night.

barba

Give it a careful look to make sure the top tube isn't crushed.

DrPete 

That's a little strange--Personally, if I were a Cervelo owner and took my bike to the shop and they messed it up, I'd at least ask for a replacement... I also don't know of any workstands that would make such a small, round mark in one spot from overtightening a clamp. The story stinks, IMHO.

When you look at it, go over the whole bike very closely, but pay particular attention to the top tube. Make sure it feels smooth and you don't feel any dents or raised areas.

What model Cervelo is it?

dcbikeguy

Its a '03 soloist. I like the old paint scheme. I'll give it good look, them maybe do a little horse trading. Not going to get m hopes up though.

Alphonso

The area around the peeling looks wet. This tells me (from occupational experience) a splash of solvent, such as varsol, has eaten into and under the clear coat.
It should not be an issue. Peel off the loose clear coat and spray on a couple layers over the area.
Test spray a spot on the bottom bracket to make sure the clear coat you spray is compatible with the clear coat on the bike.

Ritterview

The satin finish on the top tube of my 2006 BMC Pro Machine SLC01 t started bubbling up, near the juncture with the red paint (see pic). I sent it back as a warranty repair, and BMC switched out to a new 2007 frame. The frame hadn't sustained any trauma, and it was bubbling on the inferior part of the tube, where nothing could have hit it. So it appeared to be a defect in the original finish application.

Also, someone else had a discoloration on their Trek:

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/283554-discoloration-trek-top-tube.html

roadwarrior

Me either...especially the ones really used in shops.

steaktaco

looks like the top of that O is about to come off too. maybe they were trying to remove the decals with acetone.

dcbikeguy

Thats a little scary. Here is a pic of the full bike - not the drive side, points off for this dude. Looks like it can't be from the bars, its a little to far back on the tube. If it is just the coat I may pounce. Have to give it a spin first. Thanks for all the replies.