factory rawwed (think i made that up but you know what i mean)? i would think better than ano cuz there is no paint to scratch but ive never had a raw frame (they look sweet though).

 

I have a steel, raw finish OnOne Summer Season. I am not happy with how the finish has held up. I sent pics to On one and they said that the areas that to me look like rust are nothing to worry about... I won't buy another raw finish frame unless it is Ti or aluminum.

John

 

Thanks for the replies. I guess I should have mentioned that the frame is aluminum and will be factory rawwed as b-kul put it.

 

I have a steel, raw finish OnOne Summer Season. I am not happy with how the finish has held up. I sent pics to On one and they said that the areas that to me look like rust are nothing to worry about... I won't buy another raw finish frame unless it is Ti or aluminum.

John

Perfect excuse to get it powder coated. Than it will feel like a new bike. The rust is a weakness for any steel frame, especially raw bikes like the Summer season. On powdercoated or painted steel frames the rust often hides under the paint and you wont notice it until the paint cracks off in that area or until you sand it down. Some people don't like the rust, but on the summer season I think it kind of looks cool with a little bit of rust on it.

 

Intense raw frames at least look great after a thrashing.

 

I always wanted a raw finished bike so early this season I purchased one. I bought raw thinking I wouldn't have to worry about cable rub, scratches etc. I found it still cable rubbed & the finish chaned if I left the frame wet or rubbed the dirt too hard during cleaning. So after some time owing and research they do require maintenance to maintain the finsih.

 

If its got a clear coat on its not raw.

 

You can get clear anodized, you get the raw look without worrying about keeping the frame looking good.

 

if you mention "raw" within 25 ft. of pinkbike, the dj kids will find you and ask you how you "rawed" your frame bro.

that said, a true raw aluminum frame will turn kind to a milky/cloudy state and will be able to be cleaned up/polished at any point. if it comes with a clear coat then it should stand up well.

 

If its got a clear coat on its not raw.

You are absolutely right when you get technical. But It is raw according to on one, as you can see the natural color of the frame through the clear. Aluminum frames can get away with being sold with no clear coat, however steel frames need a clear coat for rust resistance, they would look like crap in less than a year if there was not clearcoat. I read an article, I think it was in bike radar about the the summer season, and it had a bit about the clear coat not being completely rust proof.

 

and rust is bad because....?

 

With the rust you can have the "Rat Rod" of
bikes. Start a new standard.

Best, John

 

found the raw stained if you ride in a lot of clay

 

it took a lot of work to get it this way, but it also stayed pretty nice without clear coat. i did the bars and rims as well.

i think it looks pretty awesome, but it does get scratches just like a painted bike.

 

it took a lot of work to get it this way, but it also stayed pretty nice without clear coat. i did the bars and rims as well.

i think it looks pretty awesome, but it does get scratches just like a painted bike.

ferakin awesome! I would have cleared that sexy beast too to keep the oxidation monster away! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

That frame looks sick. That must of took a lot work to get so shiny. So clean.

Raw finish is the most durable finishes around if you don't mind the oxidation factor. I like the look of the oxidation. My frame on my Intense SS still looks the same after riding it. If it gets a little cable rub then I just get some steel wool or fine sandpaper and it looks great again. I don't do much to mine because I like the oxidized look.

 

That frame looks sick. That must of took a lot work to get so shiny. So clean.

Raw finish is the most durable finishes around if you don't mind the oxidation factor. I like the look of the oxidation. My frame on my Intense SS still looks the same after riding it. If it gets a little cable rub then I just get some steel wool or fine sandpaper and it looks great again. I don't do much to mine because I like the oxidized look.

You make some good points about using the steel wool on a raw alum frame, never thought about it that way. Plus that SS looks awesome. Is that a small? I've been looking for a frame like that let me know if you ever wanna sell it, its one of my favorite bikes.

 

Although my bike is far from thrashed yet (its not even a year old yet), I am very happy with my decision to go with a Raw AL frame. I don't know what brand you are looking at, but the new Santa Cruz raw frames are something to be seen, and to really appreciate it you need to see it in person. Its brushed, but not polished . . . not even close. You can see brush marks all over the frame, which make each frame 100% unique.

It is clear-coated so in time, its going to chip, scratch, etc. but since there's no paint, I doubt it will be noticeable. And worst case scenario, I get it painted or re-clear coated.

I don't have any great pics of the frame, but there are a few in the SC forum.

 

Raw aluminium is fine and holds up pretty well. It might dull a little, but there's no finish to damage.

Clearcoated raw aluminium can be a problem- I've seen two bikes like this (one of them mine) where the clearcoat started to corrode in humid conditions and looked like crap.

 

Raw aluminium is fine and holds up pretty well. It might dull a little, but there's no finish to damage.

Clearcoated raw aluminium can be a problem- I've seen two bikes like this (one of them mine) where the clearcoat started to corrode in humid conditions and looked like crap.

Got pics? Interested to see this. How long did it take that to happen? Granted, I'm in a pretty arid climate, but still.

 

just make sure not to use sandpaper on the frame. i made that mistake on one part of my imperial and i was never able to get the scratches off. fine grade steel wool only. maybe super fine grit sandpaper, but i don't know.

i've seen some detail shots of the intense raw finish, and i must say, i almost bought one because of it. hot stuff, right there.

 

We always used Scotchbrite on aluminium to
give it a brushed look.

Best, John

 

Love my Raw. Its the best finish. every 12 months, just give it a good scrub with a scotchbrite pad and it comes back like new. No worries about uplift/crash damage as any scuffs or scratches just get buffed out.

 

some close ups

 

I've decided on a new frame to build but am torn on which color to choose. I really like the way the raw looks, but am concerned about its durability. I've definitely ruled out any of the powder coated frames and can purchase the frame at the same price in an anodized color. I fear that I may regret not doing so. How do raw frames hold up to abuse?

The Turner demo bikes are "raw" finished and look great,,,,,,,,,,,,,IMO