Is it abnormal to fret about a small scratch on a nice bike?
12-01-22, 07:48 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Is it abnormal to fret about a small scratch on a nice bike?
I have a Specialized Diverge Comp, the best bike I may ever have. I took her for a ride in the snow and ice she was so stable.
The other day I came back from a ride and I saw this paint scratch, maybe from a tree branch?
I realize this is maybe childish, but does anyone know where I can find touch up paint in the red Specialized is using on its 2019 plus models? It's more of an orange red.
Thank you in Advance.
The other day I came back from a ride and I saw this paint scratch, maybe from a tree branch?
I realize this is maybe childish, but does anyone know where I can find touch up paint in the red Specialized is using on its 2019 plus models? It's more of an orange red.
Thank you in Advance.
12-01-22, 07:51 PM
#2
😵💫
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 3,995
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1570 Post(s)
Liked 2,941 Times
in
1,671 Posts
Go to a hobby store or find nail polish.
And it’s not abnormal if its on someone else’s bike.
And it’s not abnormal if its on someone else’s bike.
__________________
Road and Mountain 🚴🏾♂️
Road and Mountain 🚴🏾♂️
Likes For rsbob:
12-01-22, 07:58 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 6,702
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6077 Post(s)
Liked 9,211 Times
in
3,981 Posts
That's not a scratch; it's patina. If you ride your bike, it will look like it. You'll get used to it. But as rsbob says, nail polish is the easiest solution.
My newest bike has a rather unusual color that would be hard to match, and so I fill in those nicks with the clear polish that my wife always has around. And I only do that because the frame is steel and I don't want it to rust.
My newest bike has a rather unusual color that would be hard to match, and so I fill in those nicks with the clear polish that my wife always has around. And I only do that because the frame is steel and I don't want it to rust.
Likes For Koyote:
12-01-22, 08:06 PM
#4
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 2,503
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1436 Post(s)
Liked 2,127 Times
in
1,153 Posts
Time for a new bike!
Likes For Polaris OBark:
12-01-22, 08:07 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,133
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 844 Post(s)
Liked 812 Times
in
516 Posts
Buy some oranges and some red or some orange/red little bottles of Testor's or similar at a hobby or craft store (I get mine at Michaels), and a little pack of cheap fine tip art brushes. Try a couple of different mixes to get something that's close enough. Use the 6 foot/2 meter rule - if it's not visible at 6 feet (better yet, 3 meters/9 feet), it's irrelevant. You will not notice it once you get over it, and anyone else will never notice it.
Even if you dabbed pure red on that little nick, it would be unnoticeable at anything more than up close.
But the best thing to do is get a chain stay protector in a color you like - black probably and just cover the entire chain stay because you'll get more nicks there. IF you're not familiar, just do a web search for options. Most are just very tough stick on tape type stuff. All my bikes have them, some clear, some black.
FWIW, I challenge anyone who has owned and ridden a bike for any meaningful amount of time and mileage not to have blemishes like this. It's not even a scar, it's a blemish.
Even if you dabbed pure red on that little nick, it would be unnoticeable at anything more than up close.
But the best thing to do is get a chain stay protector in a color you like - black probably and just cover the entire chain stay because you'll get more nicks there. IF you're not familiar, just do a web search for options. Most are just very tough stick on tape type stuff. All my bikes have them, some clear, some black.
FWIW, I challenge anyone who has owned and ridden a bike for any meaningful amount of time and mileage not to have blemishes like this. It's not even a scar, it's a blemish.
Last edited by Camilo; 12-01-22 at 08:11 PM.
Likes For Camilo:
Likes For krakhaus:
12-01-22, 08:20 PM
#7
Happy With My Bike
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,466
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 553 Post(s)
Liked 1,398 Times
in
682 Posts
I'd be willing to bet nobody else even notices like you do. Don't let it bother you either.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
Likes For Chuck M:
12-01-22, 08:21 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 6,702
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6077 Post(s)
Liked 9,211 Times
in
3,981 Posts
Originally Posted by Camilo
FWIW, I challenge anyone who has owned and ridden a bike for any meaningful amount of time and mileage not to have blemishes like this. It's not even a scar, it's a blemish.
Likes For Koyote:
12-01-22, 08:26 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,133
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 844 Post(s)
Liked 812 Times
in
516 Posts
Minor blemishes like the OP don't bother me one whit, even if they happen on the first ride. Not to say I like large blemishes, especially if they're where I have to look at them. But a chain stay blemish would not bother me. BUT....
I got a titanium gravel bike so there's no worries about stuff like this
My previous "gravel" bike (re-worked cross bike) was very battle scarred and it was just fine. They should look like that after a while.
I got a titanium gravel bike so there's no worries about stuff like this
My previous "gravel" bike (re-worked cross bike) was very battle scarred and it was just fine. They should look like that after a while.
Likes For Camilo:
12-01-22, 09:04 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 36,169
Mentioned: 205 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16679 Post(s)
Liked 11,778 Times
in
5,635 Posts
I’d be more concerned about the dork disc, at least if you want to be considered a serious cyclist.
Likes For indyfabz:
12-01-22, 09:59 PM
#11
😵💫
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 3,995
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1570 Post(s)
Liked 2,941 Times
in
1,671 Posts
Chances are good it will happen again if not several times due to chain slap. What you really need is a ‘chain stay protector’ like this or similar https://www.amazon.com/Chainstay-Pro...g%2C174&sr=1-8
__________________
Road and Mountain 🚴🏾♂️
Road and Mountain 🚴🏾♂️
Likes For jon c.:
12-01-22, 10:37 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 36,955
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4895 Post(s)
Liked 956 Times
in
570 Posts
Originally Posted by jon c.
Obsessing about a scratch on any new item is perfectly normal.
He can seek a touch-up approach (I've always had good luck with nail polish) or he can try to adjust his outlook. One person's scratch or dent is another's fond memory of a great day or hard riding.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
12-01-22, 10:47 PM
#14
Newbie
I get miffed about it too. I was watching a bike video on YouTube the other night and it had a guy showing his Rivendell. The thing was so banged up it was kinda beautiful. If it were my bike I'd rub it with a diaper, but there's something nice about a tool well used. Someone Else's!!
12-01-22, 11:18 PM
#15
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 11,452
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3550 Post(s)
Liked 2,872 Times
in
1,923 Posts
Originally Posted by MattyWillPDX
If it were my bike I'd rub it with a diaper, but there's something nice about a tool well used. Someone Else's!!
I think most of my bikes have some sort of scratching as long as no damage to the integrity of the frame not an issue. On a lower cost bike it is less of a fret but really if you are worried about paint issues get a titanium bike and you can just use a scrubbing pad to remove imperfections and it won't rust or anything so it is perfect for that. That is why I built my mountain bikes out of titanium, I can beat them up and they still look good and if I do get rough with it I can get it back to looking really good easily.
12-01-22, 11:21 PM
#16
Newbie
That's what cool stickers are for.
12-02-22, 06:50 AM
#17
Senior Member
Originally Posted by indyfabz
I’d be more concerned about the dork disc, at least if you want to be considered a serious cyclist.
Likes For Reflector Guy:
12-02-22, 07:40 AM
#18
Full Member
I have a bike that has been restored to like new. I have never ridden it for fear of scratching it.
I remember trying to get a Gios Torino with undamaged paint from the distributor in the mid 80's. Right out of the foam pack they all had paint dings. I gave up after the third one.
I remember trying to get a Gios Torino with undamaged paint from the distributor in the mid 80's. Right out of the foam pack they all had paint dings. I gave up after the third one.
12-02-22, 07:42 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,181
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 eTap AXS, Trek Emonda ALR 6, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 520 Post(s)
Liked 1,092 Times
in
663 Posts
Originally Posted by AJW2W11E
I have a Specialized Diverge Comp, the best bike I may ever have. I took her for a ride in the snow and ice she was so stable.
The other day I came back from a ride and I saw this paint scratch, maybe from a tree branch?
I realize this is maybe childish, but does anyone know where I can find touch up paint in the red Specialized is using on its 2019 plus models? It's more of an orange red.
Thank you in Advance.
The other day I came back from a ride and I saw this paint scratch, maybe from a tree branch?
I realize this is maybe childish, but does anyone know where I can find touch up paint in the red Specialized is using on its 2019 plus models? It's more of an orange red.
Thank you in Advance.
It happens. Just like it does on cars. Its a badge showing you are using your bike, not just putting it in a frame observing it like a painting in the Louvre.
__________________
Brian | 2023 Trek Domane SLR 7 eTap AXS | 2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 | 2022 Trek FX Sport 5
Brian | 2023 Trek Domane SLR 7 eTap AXS | 2016 Trek Emonda ALR 6 | 2022 Trek FX Sport 5
Originally Posted by AEO
you should learn to embrace change, and mock it's failings every step of the way.
Likes For jaxgtr:
12-02-22, 07:51 AM
#20
Senior Member
I would only obsess if it was on carbon. I would drive myself crazy wondering if there was more damage than I could see, which is why I don't own carbon bikes.
12-02-22, 08:21 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,133
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2202 Post(s)
Liked 1,444 Times
in
917 Posts
Perfectly normal.
FWIW, when I saw dings like that on my previous new bike I tried to find matching paint to cover up the dings. It matched almost perfectly in the store, but stuck out like a sore thumb (to me) on the bike out in the sun. So when my newest bike got a scratch, I took a deep breath and forgot about it. This bike is still a lot of fun to ride, and I'm looking forward to many more great rides -- and that's more important than gazing at the thing!
FWIW, when I saw dings like that on my previous new bike I tried to find matching paint to cover up the dings. It matched almost perfectly in the store, but stuck out like a sore thumb (to me) on the bike out in the sun. So when my newest bike got a scratch, I took a deep breath and forgot about it. This bike is still a lot of fun to ride, and I'm looking forward to many more great rides -- and that's more important than gazing at the thing!
12-02-22, 08:29 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 36,169
Mentioned: 205 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16679 Post(s)
Liked 11,778 Times
in
5,635 Posts
Originally Posted by AJW2W11E
I realize this is maybe childish....
What would help is a photo of the entire bike to put the subject blemish in context.
12-02-22, 08:40 AM
#23
Senior Member
I bought my new bike (my Infinito) used, so it came with a small spot of touch-up paint on the chainstay. Totally wrong shade of green! I really should try to get the right color for it because it is pretty jarring. Fortunately it's vary small!
12-02-22, 08:52 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 6,702
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6077 Post(s)
Liked 9,211 Times
in
3,981 Posts
Originally Posted by RH Clark
I would only obsess if it was on carbon. I would drive myself crazy wondering if there was more damage than I could see, which is why I don't own carbon bikes.
12-02-22, 08:54 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: SE Wyoming
Posts: 508
Bikes: 1987 Diamondback Ascent, 1995 Specialized Rockhopper,1989 Specialized Rock Combo, 2013 Specialized Tarmac Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 178 Post(s)
Liked 470 Times
in
229 Posts
If it were my bike, I would install a chain stay protector. If I use my bikes, they are going to accumulate evidence of that use whether riding or loading in and out of a vehicle. I have used nail polish for touch up on my Rockhopper and it passes the 6-foot test. White paint pen on my Specialized Tarmac. While I understand not wanting to damage a perfectly restored bike, I think it is a shame that something is too nice to be used but only admired. Different strokes for different folks.
Likes For Inusuit:
