It pays to deal with a reputable LBS
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It pays to deal with a reputable LBS
I purchased a 2021 Trek Checkpoint SL6. Upon arrival the LBS called to inform me when they unpacked the bike that there were numerous scratches on the top bar. I made the trip to my LBS to see the sad news for myself. You know bikes are eventually going to get scratches but as the owner you want to be the one responsible.
Everyone here knows the inventory situation on new bike inventory there just aren't many options right now. This was the last and only Checkpoint SL6 available other than a Checkpoint SL7 with the single front ring that the factory had in stock, with no more available to be allocated until mid to late November.
I asked my LBS to contact Trek and see if they would sell the SL6 for the price of an SL5. at 4;15 today I was given the news they authorized the deal. Hallelujah!
It is a bitter sweet situation, but $900.00 saved.That money is a good start for the Di2 upgrade on my SL6 scheduled for August, Hopefully those parts won't be delayed.
Now I will have to work on trying to lessen the visibility of scratches.They aren't terrible They seem to mostly be in the clear coat. I will get a better look when I pick up the bike next week. I will probably try some polish and or light rubbing compound. I have used candle wax, clear nail polish and toothpaste in the past, but those are just temporary; Nail polish last the longest it is just hard to blend in.
A non reputable LBS might have attempted to cover up the damage in hopes that the customer wouldn't notice it. When you find a shop you can trust it pays to stay with them.
I will say that the blue smoke color in person is great looking. I can't wait to rider her.
Everyone here knows the inventory situation on new bike inventory there just aren't many options right now. This was the last and only Checkpoint SL6 available other than a Checkpoint SL7 with the single front ring that the factory had in stock, with no more available to be allocated until mid to late November.
I asked my LBS to contact Trek and see if they would sell the SL6 for the price of an SL5. at 4;15 today I was given the news they authorized the deal. Hallelujah!
It is a bitter sweet situation, but $900.00 saved.That money is a good start for the Di2 upgrade on my SL6 scheduled for August, Hopefully those parts won't be delayed.
Now I will have to work on trying to lessen the visibility of scratches.They aren't terrible They seem to mostly be in the clear coat. I will get a better look when I pick up the bike next week. I will probably try some polish and or light rubbing compound. I have used candle wax, clear nail polish and toothpaste in the past, but those are just temporary; Nail polish last the longest it is just hard to blend in.
A non reputable LBS might have attempted to cover up the damage in hopes that the customer wouldn't notice it. When you find a shop you can trust it pays to stay with them.
I will say that the blue smoke color in person is great looking. I can't wait to rider her.
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You might investigate having a graphic you like done in the vinyl wrap they use for cars. Maybe $50?
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#5
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I used this sticker to cover a top tube scratch. My grand kids are into pirates...
https://www.vcgraphix.com/collection...l-icon-10-pack
https://www.vcgraphix.com/collection...l-icon-10-pack
#6
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See if there is touch up paint for the bike, you may even be able to find finger nail polish that is the right color, I did that for my yellow C-Dale and the match is near perfect.
1. sand the scratches with 400 grit wet paper.
2. Put on lots of touch up on the scratches. Don't skimp.
3. Let the paint dry thoroughly, sand again with 400 grit, then repeat.
4 Progressive abrasives, go to 800, 1200, 2000.
5. Finish with rubbing compound, polishing compound and wax.
Guaranteed perfect repair.
1. sand the scratches with 400 grit wet paper.
2. Put on lots of touch up on the scratches. Don't skimp.
3. Let the paint dry thoroughly, sand again with 400 grit, then repeat.
4 Progressive abrasives, go to 800, 1200, 2000.
5. Finish with rubbing compound, polishing compound and wax.
Guaranteed perfect repair.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Last edited by San Rensho; 07-11-20 at 11:29 AM. Reason: apparently, "guber" with two o letter is verboten, even though it is a technical term to "slather on" but apparently it is also a derogatory term for a knuckle dragger.
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If it was one small scratch that will work. The situation I have is the entire top bar is scratched. When I pick up the bike next week I will evaluate it then. I believe from what I saw in the store that the scratches are in the clear coat only and not in the paint layer. At least that was what my finger nail was telling me. The light at the shop wasn't the greatest.
I own a Fuji Platinum HVLP spray system.,and have the capabilities to correct the problem . My concern is the warranty on the carbon frame. If I blow new clear coat on the top tube and down the road the frame fails (God forbid), if they catch it, no warranty. Trek is very specific about painting their frames voids the warranty. For me that would be a $2000.00 hit. Even if I had the paint number on the clear coat they use it is still a risk.
As it stands now I hope to be able to compound it out and or as another suggested cover it up with a vinyl decal. The verdict is still out, but I do appreciated everyone's input and ideas. Sharing ideas is what it is all about.
I hope to post a picture or two once I have the bike. Maybe a before and after.
I own a Fuji Platinum HVLP spray system.,and have the capabilities to correct the problem . My concern is the warranty on the carbon frame. If I blow new clear coat on the top tube and down the road the frame fails (God forbid), if they catch it, no warranty. Trek is very specific about painting their frames voids the warranty. For me that would be a $2000.00 hit. Even if I had the paint number on the clear coat they use it is still a risk.
As it stands now I hope to be able to compound it out and or as another suggested cover it up with a vinyl decal. The verdict is still out, but I do appreciated everyone's input and ideas. Sharing ideas is what it is all about.
I hope to post a picture or two once I have the bike. Maybe a before and after.
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I purchased a 2021 Trek Checkpoint SL6. Upon arrival the LBS called to inform me when they unpacked the bike that there were numerous scratches on the top bar. I made the trip to my LBS to see the sad news for myself. You know bikes are eventually going to get scratches but as the owner you want to be the one responsible.
Everyone here knows the inventory situation on new bike inventory there just aren't many options right now. This was the last and only Checkpoint SL6 available other than a Checkpoint SL7 with the single front ring that the factory had in stock, with no more available to be allocated until mid to late November.
I asked my LBS to contact Trek and see if they would sell the SL6 for the price of an SL5. at 4;15 today I was given the news they authorized the deal. Hallelujah!
It is a bitter sweet situation, but $900.00 saved.That money is a good start for the Di2 upgrade on my SL6 scheduled for August, Hopefully those parts won't be delayed.
Now I will have to work on trying to lessen the visibility of scratches.They aren't terrible They seem to mostly be in the clear coat. I will get a better look when I pick up the bike next week. I will probably try some polish and or light rubbing compound. I have used candle wax, clear nail polish and toothpaste in the past, but those are just temporary; Nail polish last the longest it is just hard to blend in.
A non reputable LBS might have attempted to cover up the damage in hopes that the customer wouldn't notice it. When you find a shop you can trust it pays to stay with them.
I will say that the blue smoke color in person is great looking. I can't wait to rider her.
Everyone here knows the inventory situation on new bike inventory there just aren't many options right now. This was the last and only Checkpoint SL6 available other than a Checkpoint SL7 with the single front ring that the factory had in stock, with no more available to be allocated until mid to late November.
I asked my LBS to contact Trek and see if they would sell the SL6 for the price of an SL5. at 4;15 today I was given the news they authorized the deal. Hallelujah!
It is a bitter sweet situation, but $900.00 saved.That money is a good start for the Di2 upgrade on my SL6 scheduled for August, Hopefully those parts won't be delayed.
Now I will have to work on trying to lessen the visibility of scratches.They aren't terrible They seem to mostly be in the clear coat. I will get a better look when I pick up the bike next week. I will probably try some polish and or light rubbing compound. I have used candle wax, clear nail polish and toothpaste in the past, but those are just temporary; Nail polish last the longest it is just hard to blend in.
A non reputable LBS might have attempted to cover up the damage in hopes that the customer wouldn't notice it. When you find a shop you can trust it pays to stay with them.
I will say that the blue smoke color in person is great looking. I can't wait to rider her.
I would also HIGHLY advise against using toothpaste. It is not very effective and will absolutely damage the clear coat around the scratch. It's just far too gritty, which results in poor scratch removing properties and marring.
If wax doesn't work, try polish or a quality scratch-removal product.
Worst case scenario, just strip it down to the frame and bring it to a body shop. The $900 you saved will pay for a very high quality paint job... Better than factory.
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I picked up my bike Tuesday. I rode it a total of 132 miles as of today. The bike has performed flawlessly. I have never owned a carbon frame bike and from what I have seen I will never own anything but carbon.
The ride is exemplary. The Shimano 810 did not disappoint with its crisp shifting. The Brooks saddle has always been my go to and it also did not fail. The handing was good,but not ground breaking.
The blue smoke paint was stellar. I hope Trek Keeps this color around.My LBS did a fantastic ob of removing the scratches.
The bike is currently in the shop for a stem change. When I get it back I will take a picture of the bars. I double wrapped it with American Flag bar tape in honor of a brother Ranger that was killed by a drunk driver.
Its hard to comprehend his demise to be associated with such senselessness, I will post more later. Enjoy your ride.
The ride is exemplary. The Shimano 810 did not disappoint with its crisp shifting. The Brooks saddle has always been my go to and it also did not fail. The handing was good,but not ground breaking.
The blue smoke paint was stellar. I hope Trek Keeps this color around.My LBS did a fantastic ob of removing the scratches.
The bike is currently in the shop for a stem change. When I get it back I will take a picture of the bars. I double wrapped it with American Flag bar tape in honor of a brother Ranger that was killed by a drunk driver.
Its hard to comprehend his demise to be associated with such senselessness, I will post more later. Enjoy your ride.
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#16
Full Member
$900 is sweet reparations for this bike, especially during our pandemic times. I wouldn't worry about touching it up, I'd just smile every time I looked down at the top tube and reminded myself that I saved $900. You got a great deal on a Scratch n' Dent, except it's only Scratches, no Dents.
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#17
Senior Member
How’s the Checkpoint treating you these days? Are you riding it much this wet and messy winter? (I assume you’re from NJ, based on your username...). I just got an SL7 and am keen to start riding in the NYC metro area - currently with LBS getting a clear wrap and power meter put on. Super stoked!
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I see this thread is several months old but I want to congratulate the OP for finding a great bicycle, but even more for finding an LBS that he can trust! This thread highlights one of the many advantages to buying from a LBS versus buying on the internet. If the OP had bought on the internet he would not have had such an easy time of resolving the problem and it likely would have included more than a few emails, phone calls, shipping the bike back and forth, etc. I find it is really important to trust your LBS (or any repairmen for that matter) because if you don't trust them it is time to move on to a new one.
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