I kind of like the dings and scratches on my bike, proof of extreme use for thousands of miles. It still looks good, though; due to its great yellow paint and the big, black "Cannondale" letters on the diagonal. I keep the bike reasonably well maintenanced, but have never waxed it. As far as my vanity score, I'd give myself an "8" for maintance, and a "5" for the rest. I will tell you here and now, that my Cannondale C400 (mountain bike with so-called "comfort" stuff added) has served me so remarkedly well. The only major parts replacement in all those miles and several tours were the rear cluster and crank. It now runs and rides good as new.
David in FL