Need advice for paint care on a carbon bike.
04-11-12, 11:35 PM
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Need advice for paint care on a carbon bike.
Does anyone have any suggestions on the use of 3M paint protection film on a carbon bike? I've just purchased my first one (a 2009 Scott CR1 Team) and want to take proper care of it. I hope the film will help avoid chipping the paint, something which seems common with bikes but since carbon seems to be delicate, I need to be careful before doing anything.
04-12-12, 12:16 AM
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Why worry about it? It's a bike, it goes out on the road, it will get the occasional paint chip, scratch, etc. .... so what? If you want your bike to look perfect, just keep it indoors and look at it.
04-12-12, 12:39 AM
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04-12-12, 12:41 AM
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Does anyone have any suggestions on the use of 3M paint protection film on a carbon bike? I've just purchased my first one (a 2009 Scott CR1 Team) and want to take proper care of it. I hope the film will help avoid chipping the paint, something which seems common with bikes but since carbon seems to be delicate, I need to be careful before doing anything.
04-12-12, 12:52 AM
#5
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My LBS just informed me that Simple Green may dull the finish of carbon frames.
Beware.
Beware.
04-12-12, 01:13 AM
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Jeebus.
How about some soap and water? Rocket surgery it ain't!
If you really want to get fancy slap on a few coats of Bike Lust or the like after you wash it.
This holds true foro ANY frame material.
How about some soap and water? Rocket surgery it ain't!
If you really want to get fancy slap on a few coats of Bike Lust or the like after you wash it.
This holds true foro ANY frame material.
04-12-12, 01:23 AM
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Carbon is known to explode when in contact with soap and water.
04-12-12, 01:32 AM
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Actually I think it's from the friction created by the nylon bristles of the brush with the soap acting as an accelerent.
04-12-12, 03:14 AM
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I use Pedros Bike Lust on my Carbon, Ti and Aluminum (painted) bikes. Works just fine.
04-12-12, 08:43 AM
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Well, thanks for nothing. Here's the deal. I don't know the answer. I asked here because I mistakenly thought that you might. I see now that I was wrong.
04-12-12, 08:47 AM
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Just get some quick detail spray and wipe the bike down after each ride, takes a few minutes, and it will put a thin waxy coating on it barely.
I don't do anything else with my carbon and it looks beautiful all the time. I'm OCD like that.
I don't do anything else with my carbon and it looks beautiful all the time. I'm OCD like that.
04-12-12, 08:49 AM
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You could get the Lizard Skin chiainstay protector in clear, if you want. The rest of the painted areas, not much you can do. I've used the 3M sheet/patches on the leading edges of my car, and they are good. I'd not bother to do the same on my bike though.
04-12-12, 08:57 AM
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3M paint protection is great but really not necessary. If you are OCD you can put that 3M tape on the underside of your downtube. Wipe it down when it gets dirty, do your regular maintenance and you will be fine. It is a lot less complicated than you think.
Welcome to the 41, don't be so sensitive, it gets worse and HTFU you nancy. Namby pamby land, this ain't!
Welcome to the 41, don't be so sensitive, it gets worse and HTFU you nancy. Namby pamby land, this ain't!
04-12-12, 09:22 AM
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Recusant Iconoclast
Post a pic of your bike, and we'll be gentle in critiquing it.....just be sure to adhere to the rules: in front of garage door (or work bench, or kitchen stove - oh screw it, take the damn pic), drive side, on the big ring/high gear - ya, know, you don't want to look like a fred - and take off any water bottles, saddlebag, reflectors, dork disk, or warning labels.
04-12-12, 09:28 AM
#16
Throw the stick!!!!
Actually you did get the answer. It doesn't need anything special. Just ride it and wash it when it gets dirty enough to bother you.
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04-12-12, 09:29 AM
#17
Throw the stick!!!!
I've been using Simple Green at full strength for years. My bikes are just as purdy as they were the day I bought them.
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04-12-12, 09:54 AM
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Is there something about special about the paint on carbon? I thought it was the same.
As in, you don't need to do anything special to 'carbon paint' that you wouldn't do for any other bike.
As in, you don't need to do anything special to 'carbon paint' that you wouldn't do for any other bike.
04-12-12, 10:01 AM
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Wash and wax it often. Don't lean it against anything. Don't let the wind blow it over. Don't crash. Remember to unclip. Dodge all road debris, including flying debris. That's the best you can do.....Tape is ugly, and heavy, while the wax will lessen wind resistance......FACT
04-12-12, 10:25 AM
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I like plastic film on the drive side chainstay to protect it from the chain hitting it from slap or just when removing the rear wheel. I also put a small spot where cable housing can rub on the frame so it doesn't eat away a hole in the paint. I just gently wipe off dirt with a wet towel. Sometimes after a particularly dirty ride (usually rain), I'll gently hose the bike down with water, no high pressure, just enough to gently wash off the grit. Enjoy the new bike!
04-12-12, 01:16 PM
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I've been using it on my show car for years and on my bikes a well. Works great and actually helps harden the paint.
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04-12-12, 03:14 PM
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Its easy to apply just like vinyl. Water + soap solution and a credit card to squeegee it. You can apply the blue painters tape on your bike first then draw where you want it protected and use that as a template.
The only thing I would have to say is that it might leave an adhesive residue on the finish if you have it on for a long time (5-6yrs) which would have to be compounded off.
04-12-12, 03:17 PM
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