[badgermtb]

Hello--

Has anyone here repainted their MCR or SIR frame?

I am considering this option because the paint on my MCR is so fragile. Literally, I dropped a steer tube/headset spacer on the top tube (by accident, of course) and now the top tube has a nice ding in the paint. The paint chipped right off! Come on! It's an 800 dollar frame.

And it's not just little things like that, either. The frame has about 4,000 miles on it and it looks like it's been ridden a lot longer than that. There are paint chips all over the place. I bought the frame new in August of this year. Trust me, I take good care of my gear, and don't ride like an idiot. The paint on my el-cheapo Ferrous was more durable.

Does Niner repaint frames? With more durable paint? If not, can I get new frame stickers from them in the case I get the frame painted?

Last question...if I repaint, can I remove the "bondo" from the gusset plates? My "bondo" has developed a nice crack (which according to Niner is not a structural issue...not a warranty issue...I disagree completely). Apparently, the frame flexing causes this to happen. Whatever...I would prefer to not have that material on the frame if it is going to crack as a result of frame usage. I'd just as soon take out the "bondo" and cover the opening with silicone.

Thanks! I'll post pictures if need be...

 

[LyNx]

WOW,, you'll get blasted for this, don't come on here and say negative things

Seriously, a bunch of guys on a team did a repaint of several Niner HT frames including I think the SIR, MCR and AIR. Not sure how it was or how you'd find it, maybe try a search for reapinting in this forum :???: FYI, they looked really, really good.

Oh and where is there BONDO on your frame? Sounds like it's where I had once *****ed about for being left open for dirt and crap to make it's way in and that it should be filled with silicone or some such, but was told there was nothing wrong with that STFU. :skep:

 

[badgermtb]

Thanks LyNx--

Yeah, I was a little nervous about getting flamed by folks...but facts are facts, eh.

I remember those white MCR frames...they looked KILLER! I couldn't find them using the search. Anyhow, I'll post up some pictures of my "bondo problem" to help make my claims more legit.

To be honest, I was bummed about it...because I really LOVE this frame. This is my third Niner, but unfortunately will most likely be my last. I simply was not pleased with the outcome when expressing my conerns over the "bondo separation problem". I thought the issue arose from a poor design solution (I was told that the "bondo-like" substance was placed in the gusset opening to address potential rust issues under the plates). Again, not trying to start trouble, just stating my opinion. I don't have any solutions to offer. I am not an engineer, so it is very possible I don't know what I'm talking about. Flamesuit ON!

Granted, I am making a mountain out of a mole hill. The bike rides very well. And the "bondo" is not causing structural damage...so it is essentially nothing I should be concerned with. Again, I LOVE my MCR...

 

[gfs69]

There is a picture in a recent thread on here of a girl with a pink Niner. She had it powder coated with replacement decals from Niner. It looks great, if you are into pink!

Here you go, courtesy of CJones:

Quote:
Originally Posted by rshughes
I was out riding Saturday and saw a woman riding a SIR in what appeared to be metal flake pink. I looked really, really good. She said that she had the work done at Spectrum in CO. All of the factory stickers were in place. I would have asked her if I could take a picture but she seemed to be very focused at taking a second run at a steep, rocky, technical climb.

Another paint option for Niner.

Here you go -- from RickyD's flicker site:

https://flic.kr/p/4107556595
https://flic.kr/p/3145128295

 

[rshughes]

I thought the issue arose from a poor design solution (I was told that the "bondo-like" substance was placed in the gusset opening to address potential rust issues under the plates).

My MCR did not have the "bondo-like" substance and I have had problems with corrosion under the paint at the gusset. It looks atrociously bad. I tried masking off the area, sanding it down to remove the corrosion, and touching it up with the factory touch up paint and while that seems to have stopped the corrosion problems, it looks like a dog took a dookie on my frame.

I like both of my Niners (I also have a RIP9) and have no regrets over the purchases but I do agree that the paint on their steel frames is woefully inadequate in terms of durability.

 

[badgermtb]

WOW...looks like I need to get in touch with Spectrum...

 

[LyNx]

Spectrum is Da Bomb!!

BEST in the Biz dude, absolutely the best :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Check out my friends 2 pieces of artwork below that Spectrun created for him. Oh FYI, they're not cheap

WOW...looks like I need to get in touch with Spectrum...

As to the "bondo" issue, yup that's exactly where I was talking about, best bet it it gets filled in when you repaint it or if not some silicone as you said when you get it back.

Knolly Endorphin - full thread on below bike here

His previous bike, a Ventana Teremoto, Artic Camo

 

[fux]

My MCR did not have the "bondo-like" substance and I have had problems with corrosion under the paint at the gusset. It looks atrociously bad. I tried masking off the area, sanding it down to remove the corrosion, and touching it up with the factory touch up paint and while that seems to have stopped the corrosion problems, it looks like a dog took a dookie on my frame.

I like both of my Niners (I also have a RIP9) and have no regrets over the purchases but I do agree that the paint on their steel frames is woefully inadequate in terms of durability.

I also have rust leaking out of the top tube gusset on my non "bondoed" frame. Its pretty much done that since the first time I rode in the rain.

Otherwise the paint has been realy good with just the odd stonechip here and there.

 

[BSIDE]

From "Show Off Your MCRs"

ski29ers powdercoated MCR

 

[2TurnersNotEnough]

I like both of my Niners (I also have a RIP9) and have no regrets over the purchases but I do agree that the paint on their steel frames is woefully inadequate in terms of durability.

Haven't even built up my MCR, and there are already scratches in the paint . If I decide to keep this frame for the long term, it will be heading off to Olympic for a new PC job. If not, I have a nice bottle of touch-up paint.

I think I'll try using some frame saver under the gusset on the TT. I didn't think about water getting under there and causing problems.

Edit: Went back and looked. Looks like mine has the Bondo at the open end of the gusset.

 

[badgermtb]

Where from and how much!?

ski29ers powdercoated MCR

That looks sweet. I'm interested. Where and how much?

LyNx's buddies' bikes look sweet too.

I'm surprised that there haven't been more folks chiming in on this???

 

[gfs69]

I was pretty shocked at how soft or whatever you want to call it, the paint on my SIR is. I actually really dislike the color as well, and have been looking into a few local PC shops. White is at the top of my list, but a nice blue would be cool too. I will probably give it a while until it is really scratched up though. It sort of sucks because if you add in the cost of a repaint, you could have gotten a custom steel frame for close to the same price!

 

[LyNx]

Exatamundo and it'd be EXACTLY what you want in terms of what ever. FYI, paint sucks on all of the Niner frames, not just the HTs. Why there are no PC options is beyond me

I was pretty shocked at how soft or whatever you want to call it, the paint on my SIR is. I actually really dislike the color as well, and have been looking into a few local PC shops. White is at the top of my list, but a nice blue would be cool too. I will probably give it a while until it is really scratched up though. It sort of sucks because if you add in the cost of a repaint, you could have gotten a custom steel frame for close to the same price!

 

[gfs69]

Man would it be sweet if Niner could work with Spectrum on a custom PC program! I would pay a little more for a custom colored Niner!

 

[BSIDE]

Big Kahuna Bikes

In Littleton sent a bunch of SIRs and MCRs out for powder coating. Contact them for info and prices. Ski29er got his through them and I have a SIR in the same color scheme through them.

 

[velocanman]

I haven't had any issues with the Root Beer paint on my MCR, but it's only got about 200 miles (Jet 9 interim replacement). I'll keep a look out, but repainting a steel frame doesn't worry me too much. I haven''t been tracking these issues with the gusset, so I'll take a look on mine and post back.

 

[mkav]

I have a root beer MCR with one year of use. Like many, the finish deteriorated quickly, including rust at the head tube gusset. I had it powdercoated by a local paint shop. Disaster. The first color I picked was a really cool deep custom sparkle. It ended up being 3 different shades. The painter said since some of the tubes are highly butted, they cooled at different temp's resulting in 3 different shades. I did not know that. The second color was more basic, but still turned out with blemishes. The painter said it was impurities in the steel bleeding through. We agreed on a reduced price and I guess Im a little wiser. If I may offer my advice, if you really love the frame that much, send it to someone that has a good history of painting bikes, even if it costs you more money. Or just do what I'm going to do next time, ride it until it self destructs and buy a new one.