So, when I bought my IRO frameset (the Angus) I was really excited about opening up a brand new frame. At least that's what I thought I was getting.

Among further inspection on the frame, I noticed a PAINT CHIP (more like a scratch) on the top of the BB. I also noticed smaller paint chips across the downtube. I am NOT impressed.

So, what should I do? I am quite sure that I am going to return the frame, but I'm not too sure on what I am going to do in terms of getting a new frame: Either exchanging for a new one, OR getting a new frame entirely. Is this really of a big deal, and is anybody else getting these types of problems? What do you recommend for me? Thanks

did you buy from IRO directly?

Yes, yes I did.

return it if you can

Yep, if you can contact them to return/exchange it, you should.

You payed for a new frame in new condition, that's what you should have received.

I agree, you should get a new frame if that's what you paid for. Is this their way of justifying their sale price of $199?!

Thanks for all of the replies. I will start the not-so-fun time for returning something that I did not want to return in the first place...
I hope not. Jeez. After all of the rave reviews of IRO, I wasn't expecting this (honestly) crap. This is beyond ridiculous.

How bad are the chips? Could they be touched up with some auto touch up paint? I only say this because it sounds like you don't want to return it - which I can understand. I don't know first hand but these sound like nice frames from what I read, and if this one is not exception other than the paint chips maybe it could be touched up if it isn't that bad. OTOH, if the chips are bad then you might not have a choice. Maybe you could contact them and get some parts thrown in for free for the troubles?....

IRO frames kick ass.

The frame I received in 2006 was in good condition, except for a paint chip or two.

The paint jobs on IROs are not the best.

tbh, I wouldn't really mind a few chips.

My cinelli bolt came with 1 chip. I don't mind it at all. I've gone through too many bikes that refuse to remain in "pristine" condition. You'll get chips from flying pebbles and random incidents, locking it up, etc... No big deal to me. Just let it chip and not worry

Why would you ask here instead of just contacting IRO to begin with?

+1. Its an IRO, not a $X,0000 custom job.

The paint job on the recent iros are pretty darn bad.

My frame didn't have any chips in it when I received it, but one of my brake levers was scuffed to hell, and only had paint on about half of the front of the lever, but it sure doesn't affect the performance at all. Like others said, it will just chip up anyway from riding it, so why bother with return shipping?

keep it.

10 seconds of touch up paint and it will look like new from two feet away. Unless you are building it for a customer, I'd say keep it.

imo, pay for new and you should get new.
i'd prefer that scuffs and scratches come from my own use- not from a poorly prepped and/or painted frame.
hell, i never had a paint problem on either of my $200 kilo frames.
i'd at least email some pics and ask for a partial (20%?) refund......

Welcome to BikeForums Customer Service. How may I help you?

Sup sqrl!

Sir, there are over 50 customer service representatives in this call center. How do you keep coming up in my queue?! And, no, I will not tell you what I'm wearing.

I supervised a call center and I can tell you that this is not what it looks like.

I'm going to assume that the actual call center representative looks like this on his day off.

IRO generally responds in a timely fashion. A few years ago, I emailed them and they responded within a few hours. I've tried calling once but was unsuccessful. However, they seem to have gone MIA on more than a few occasions recently.