Because Everybody Talks About it, but Never Does it...
02-16-12, 07:49 PM
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Because Everybody Talks About it, but Never Does it...
That's right, clear powdercoat. Over my bare steel frame.
After battling some rust issues surfacing from the nice dent that UPS put in my frame about a year and 7000miles ago, I decided it was about time to give new life to my tried and true ol' steed - the Soma Smoothie.
I went in on a very large industrial powdercoat order with a friend, and owner of an engineering supply distributor. So, I got a great deal on this bad boy.
Somewhere along the line, I contacted Frank at FTW Industries regarding bluing the joints once I stripped the frame, but the coaters ended up media blasting my frame anyway.
What can I complain about, though? It cost me $15, so I'm content. And a 16.4 pound race weight, I don't think I'll ever need another bike.
No, it doesn't have bar tape. Yes, that saddle nose is tilted down. Yes, the latter problem has been fixed. The former will be fixed once my wallet allows such an action!
After battling some rust issues surfacing from the nice dent that UPS put in my frame about a year and 7000miles ago, I decided it was about time to give new life to my tried and true ol' steed - the Soma Smoothie.
I went in on a very large industrial powdercoat order with a friend, and owner of an engineering supply distributor. So, I got a great deal on this bad boy.
Somewhere along the line, I contacted Frank at FTW Industries regarding bluing the joints once I stripped the frame, but the coaters ended up media blasting my frame anyway.
What can I complain about, though? It cost me $15, so I'm content. And a 16.4 pound race weight, I don't think I'll ever need another bike. No, it doesn't have bar tape. Yes, that saddle nose is tilted down. Yes, the latter problem has been fixed. The former will be fixed once my wallet allows such an action!
Last edited by DRietz; 02-16-12 at 08:02 PM.
02-16-12, 07:56 PM
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That is sick!My IF will need a repaint in the next couple years because of some neglect by the previous owner and I've been thinking about how I want to do it.
Options are now:
Restore to original finish and decals by IF ($$$$).
Have someone else do a quality wet paint job and add modern decals ($$$).
Get it powdercoated by one of the local bike PCers ($$).
Have my brother hook me up with his industrial PCer and get clear ($).
02-16-12, 07:56 PM
#4
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That's a hot looking number, ya got there. The color(less) scheme works great with the overall sleek spare look. I wanna Smoothie too!
02-16-12, 08:05 PM
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As I said elsewhere, love it!
02-16-12, 08:06 PM
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I like it. when money allows are you going to get the padding replaced on that saddle?
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02-16-12, 08:19 PM
#8
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That is awesome, dude!
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02-16-12, 08:38 PM
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That is awesome. Im going to see about having just the area between the lugs powder coated on a chrome frame Super Le Tour 12.2. I like the clear idea.
02-16-12, 08:39 PM
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That looks outstanding, very clean and understated! It's nice to have a real-world example to point to the next time the question comes up.
02-16-12, 08:46 PM
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That is sick!My IF will need a repaint in the next couple years because of some neglect by the previous owner and I've been thinking about how I want to do it.
Options are now:
Restore to original finish and decals by IF ($$$$).
Have someone else do a quality wet paint job and add modern decals ($$$).
Get it powdercoated by one of the local bike PCers ($$).
Have my brother hook me up with his industrial PCer and get clear ($).
, cable guide mounts, derailleur hanger, bottom bracket) and put a lot of effort into it.As it turns out, their nickel plater is a member of the race team at the shop I used to work for. Small world!
02-16-12, 08:54 PM
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That looks really nice. Definitely check back in later and let us know how it holds up.
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02-16-12, 11:00 PM
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really looks great. really. 
so that's what media blasting looks like, huh?
so that's what media blasting looks like, huh?
02-16-12, 11:32 PM
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Wait - the whole powdercoat job was $15? Or just the blasting? Sweet either way.
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02-16-12, 11:46 PM
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The whole caboodle, but it was extremely favorable circumstances. Their minimum price for a "run" is $90.
Last edited by DRietz; 02-16-12 at 11:50 PM.
02-17-12, 12:19 AM
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Once again, not classic or vintage; however, I’m totally into uplifting steel frames into the modern age. I also like bikes that pass your eye at first glance, but upon a closer look, pop your eyes out.
02-17-12, 01:22 AM
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btw, is that little bit of gold coloring i see just below the seat collar bronze brazing material? just curious.