BikerDoug
friend
Reged: 12/29/03
Posts: 88
|
|
I have a Tetra Pro with a clear coat. I always wanted a nude finish, but I couldn't pass up the deal on this frame.
I thought I'd be happy with the clear, but I just can't get Nude out of my mind!
Has anyone stripped his Calfee? If so, how? Sandpaper, chemicals, sand blast? Calfee wants $250 to stip it, and $75 for the nude decals and applying the 303. With shipping both ways... that's close to $400. Ouch.
|
vaxn8r
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 222
|
|
There is no way I'd ever consider doing it myself. First of all it might take you more than $400 of time. Secondly, CF tubing is not real thick. One sanding mistake and you've ruined a $2,000 frame. Finally, if you have a warranty when you start, you won't after you've finished. Just pay the man.
|
Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
|
|
Do what I'm doing...I waited and I'm buying a nude Calfee but a different model. Then I figure I'll have the best of both worlds. I like the clear and I'm sure I'll like nude. I'm busy selling all my extra "stuff" so I can afford it.
A Luna is a very different "look" yet I've been told it is hard to tell the difference in ride. Take the 400 dollars away from the cost of a Luna and it seems even more affordable.
Good luck.
|
Jas0n
journeyman
Reged: 01/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Westchester, New York
|
|
i had my d'fly stripped in the off season. it looks awesome. DONT TRY AND DO IT YOURSELF. you will ruin the frame and it will not look good. pay up; you'll have the bike forever and will certaintly love the finish, or lack thereof.
--------------------
eat to live, live to ride
if it ain't rainin, it ain't trainin
|
BikerDoug
friend
Reged: 12/29/03
Posts: 88
|
|
Quote:
Jas0n wrote:
i had my d'fly stripped in the off season. it looks awesome. DONT TRY AND DO IT YOURSELF. you will ruin the frame and it will not look good. pay up; you'll have the bike forever and will certaintly love the finish, or lack thereof.
Thanks for the sound advice, all. Considering it would now cost me $400 more to buy a new frame, I think having the factory do it is the only choice.
Thanks
|
Insightdriver
captain
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
|
|
My LBS guy whom I trust implicitly recommended I go with clearcoat because 303 is a bit sticky. In low humidity and bright sunshine I think the clearcoat is better UV protection since the frame won't attract dust as easily as the slightly tacky 303 product. That said, I understand the desire to have a nude frame because it looks very good that way. I also have considered nude. I'll stick with the clearcoat as I want a low-maintanence bike.
|
Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
|
|
303 is NOT sticky. I've used 303 for over 15 years on a variety of my things, from aircraft, motorcycles, cars and my nude Calfee. 303 is NOT like Armor-All which leaves a mildly gummy residue. When 303 is dry on a nude finish, you cannot detect it at all. Not gummy, not sticky, not slightly tacky nor does it attract dirt.
--------------------
Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
|
Insightdriver
captain
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
|
|
Thanks for the information. I'd rather have someone say I'm wrong than walk around in ignorance. I know no one is infallible as well. Anyone else who uses 303 who would like to chime in would be welcome by me so I can learn more.
|
Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
|
|
I've had both clearcoat (2) and nude (1) Calfees, and the difference is primarily taste of the owner.Clearcoat is good, shows off the carbon nicely but can be subject to rockchips. Nude is subtle and different and in some eyes looks industrial. I don't believe one has any clear superiority or detriment to the other, it's more a matter of taste.
--------------------
Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
|
velomane
new member
Reged: 01/16/04
Posts: 2
|
|
Quote:
Dave_Thompson wrote:
303 is NOT sticky. I've used 303 for over 15 years on a variety of my things, from aircraft, motorcycles, cars and my nude Calfee. 303 is NOT like Armor-All which leaves a mildly gummy residue. When 303 is dry on a nude finish, you cannot detect it at all. Not gummy, not sticky, not slightly tacky nor does it attract dirt.
Ditto on everything Dave said.
Mike
|
Jas0n
journeyman
Reged: 01/26/04
Posts: 62
Loc: Westchester, New York
|
|
as everyone has already said, 303 is not at all sticky. it is a milky white liquid that one sprays on the frame, and then wipes off. there is no residue left at all. it does, however, give the frame a deeper color for a week or so; the frame looks more black than grey after being treated with 303. i have much experience with nude frames. i work at a large calfee dealer and have been around them for the last 4 years. no problems at all to report. if there were, i would not have had to done to my own bike. check out the gallery, all the nude bikes look great, esp. the tetra in my opinion. the tetra's tubes look great nude, esp. at the lug area where they join so seamlessly into the lug. d'fly's and luna's look great too, but i really really like tetra's nude, though they are likely the most rare nude bikes.
--------------------
eat to live, live to ride
if it ain't rainin, it ain't trainin
|
Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
|
|
As usual Spokane Dave is right on...I agree with everything...like Dave having had both I have a clearcoat and a nude Calfee...he is right on. 
|
Previous
Thread Index
Next
Threaded
Anyone "Nude'd" his bike?
Edit
Reply
Quote
Re: Anyone "Nude'd" his bike?
Ditto Ditto