I’d Like To See This Paint and Badge Method on Cars

"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
06/22/2019 at 14:36 • Filed to: Specialized Camber

Specialized calls the paint job on my new-to-me bicycle “red flake tint carbon” and it looks amazing. Basically they spray red and silver metallic flake over the carbon fiber, then lay down the decals, and then clear coat over everything. It’s hard to capture in photos but it person it has a great depth to it and makes the badging seem like an integral part of the frame rather than something just tacked on. It looks and feels expensive - as it should considering the original sticker was a Benjamin short of 5 grand. This metallic flake over carbon with stickers under the clear coat is something I’d like to see more on sports cars. I think it would work especially well on vehicles with exposed carbon interiors.

Oddly the “Handmade in Taiwan” is just stuck on the outside and already starting to peel while the fact badge is under the clear coat. Maybe they sold these in mainland China and changed/removed it for political reasons there?

Anyway, I did buy this thing to ride not stare at in my garage. Went out to the end of the mesa I live on yesterday morning. Hazy skies are due to particulate in the air blowing in from wildfires in eastern Arizona. After a couple rides I’m starting to get a good feel for the bike. Very stable at speed and rides incredibly smoothly with pretty much no vibrations coming through. It does need a lot more handlebar input at low speeds than I’m used to so that will take some brain recalibration. I’m also scraping the pedals on rocks quite a bit. I’m still trying to figure out if that can be fixed by adjusting my riding style or if I to try some different pedals. The Eagle GX drivetrain has really surprised me in a good way. Shifts are nearly as good as the Shimano XT on my other bike and it works evenly through all 12 speeds. Having 30x50 is great. It basically climbs over anything. Brakes need bled I think. The pull isn’t really even between the front and rear. Overall, I’m happy so far - especially for under $3k. Time to shut up and do more riding!

DISCUSSION (8)

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/22/2019 at 14:54

My carbon frame paranoia is strong. I guess they’ve gotten better at not cracking and catastrophically failing at random when scratched or looked at sideways?

Boxer_4 > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/22/2019 at 14:55

Looks good!

Meanwhile, my Hardrock Sport probably needs a new freewheeling hub, as it’s currently slipping quite badly.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja:
06/22/2019 at 14:58

We’ll find out I guess! I was actually pretty on the fence about buying a used carbon bike for that reason but I ran it by the hardcore mountain bikers I work with and they all didn’t seem to think it was a worry.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Boxer_4
06/22/2019 at 15:01

Depending on the make of the hub you may be able to rebuild/replace just the freewheel. If the wheel is out of true or has bent spokes it might be worth just getting a whole new rear wheel online from somewhere like Jenson.

Boxer_4 > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/22/2019 at 15:11

I believe it’s a Shimano FH-RM30 if online research is to be believed. The 8 speed version. The wheel is in good shape still. I’ll probably bring it to a local shop. I don’t have the tools for the job, and unlike with cars, I don’t intend on working on bikes too often.

Grindintosecond > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/22/2019 at 15:42

they did that to plastics in the 60's

and in frisbees today.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Boxer_4
06/22/2019 at 15:57

Yeah they take a whole kit of strange and unique tools to work on. If you aren’t riding a lot it’s better to take it to the local shop and help keep them in business.

The Snowman > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com
06/22/2019 at 22:25

The last thing I want on a car is a sticker under the clear.