Sawtooth

I have some money burning a hole in my pocket and come seeking the advice of the masses here on BF.

I have some 9 speed DA shifters that are feeling like they are about to take a dirt nap. After learning about the shiftmate, I am strongly considering picking up a new set of 10 speed shifters (have not figured out wich ones yet but Ultegra 6603 can be had fairly cheap right now.

On the other hand, since mounting 25c tires and revising my fit, I have fallen in love with my 8 year old tcr frame all over again and am considering custom paint. Maybe something relatively simple like the 2 tone sketch in the attached pictures. (Note: Pic was originally taken from a poster in another forum but it looks a lot like mine) . Mine is the red/black one.

New paint is fun mine is liveable for another year plus you have to shift. Plus, when the shifters really do die, I might be able to argue that they are a "MUST HAVE" at that point and avoid spending my allowance on them . I am devious like that.

What do you guys think? Any recommendations on a custom painter that can get it out of the shop for around $300 frame and fork?

Sawtooth

Here is my current paint (actual bike)

Sawtooth

More color ideas (I have no other pattern ideas).

cjump

please don't paint it. get new shifters. end of story

55/Rad

I know a good painter....

Sawtooth

Your bikes are beautiful Rad but I don't know if I can handle the 2 year downtime I dropped off the scene for about a year but when I came back you STILL had that frame out for paint

Sawtooth

Ellaborate..please.

cedricbosch

Painting a bike is never a good idea. I've tried it 3 times and it's always more expensive than I thought it would be, plus the result is never quite as good or as durable as the factory finish.

Sawtooth

I've thought about powdercoating the frame white ($75) and then trying my hand at rattle canning since my patters seems kind of simple. Worst case...I shell another $75 for re-coating.

Sawtooth

I actually like the current scheme but the decals have no clear coat and have really taken a beating. There are no replacements available and taking them off leaves a garrish vertical line between the anodized black and the maroon paint. The existing paint is still in good shape but I can't think of a good sticker solution to retain the current paint job.

I have also thought about just removing the maroon paint to reveal anodized black but I am not convinced the stripping process will not affect the surface of the anodizing.

ridethecliche

Dude, it's a bike. Who gives if the decals get worn.

Your idea does absolutely nothing for function. Get new shifters if you need them...

Or get nothing. Get a beater bike or something if you need it.

55/Rad

2 year downtime? I wish....