Quote:

---

Darby wrote:
Umlungu, I am assuming that your bike has a nude finish.

If I ever have to send my bike back to Calfee, I will probably strip the paint off and leave it nude. I had heard that the nude finish is more rugged and looks new longer than paint. However, I have also heard that the sun will dry out the finish and that sunblock or Armor All is required as treatment

My question. If one neglects to treat the finish often enough, can sun damage to the frame be reversible?

Bruce

---

My Luna is nude (woowoo). I must say that I have yet to see a nude carbon bike from anyone but Calfee. It look ssoooo stealthy and cool, the way the sunlight shimmers off the fibers gives it a look that just can't be duplicated with paint. My best friend rides a Tetra with a red to translucent red fade paint job and that is completely stunning; but I really dig the uniquess of the nude finish.

I would say its more rugged from the point of view that clear coating on carbon in general can pit pretty badly when rocks pop up and hit the frame (I dont know how true this is with Calfee paint jobs). Since I ride alot of rural country type roads here in Texas (fewer cars), the nude finish appeals to me even more. It does require more upkeep as you said in the way of sublock, but if you are into bike like I am then the extra step of protecting the frame each time you wash the bike is no hassle at all. Plus the protectant makes the bike look even better. I hardly want to even get it wet once it's done.

On the subject of protectant, for me (and most other nudists) 303 is the only option. It's recommended by Craig and is hands down the product to use.

UV damage is not reversible. The ultra violet light breaks down the bonds of the fibers slowly compromising the integrity of the frame. Of course I'm no expert so you might give Craig or the folks at 303 a call. Better yet, check out this article on the 303 website.

While the effects of UV radiation might not be reversible, the fact that Calfee frames can be repaired makes yet another strong case for the greatness of the Calfee design. So if over the years a frame is neglected and only the top tube has been damaged, then just that section of the frame need be rebuilt.

Post Extras