Your bike is painted with the same high quality PPG paint that is usedin the painting of most show quality custom hotrods, sports cars and motorcycles. But, unlike cars, bicycles take a lot of abuse from being leaned up against parking meters and, in the case of mountain and cyclocross bikes, running into rocks, stumps and brush. Even after the curing process is fully completed (about 6 weeks) scratches and/or chips in the paint can happen, road debris, roof rack transport, wild animals, clumsy friends, etc.. can all have a negative impact on your frame’s painted surface, it is not bulletproof either but, after the six week curing period is over, you can do your best to protect the frame’s finish with the application of a liquid or paste wax.

If does not sell touch up paint. If you do damage the paint, you can obtain touch up paint from any auto supply store (call IF for thePPG reference number). Alternatively, you can use Testors model paint(available in most hobby shops) or nail polish (available at most drugand department stores). Before applying any touch up paint, be sure to clean the affected area with denatured alcohol to remove any oil or wax so that the touch up paint will adhere properly, do not use nail polish remover or acetone at any time, this WILL damage your paint. Light scratches can often be removed by the use of a light grade of automobile rubbing compound available in all auto parts stores. Use it sparingly as you will be rubbing a portion of thepainted surface away. Once the scratch is removed, you can restore the polish by the application of liquid or paste wax.

Because of the increased strength of the new steel alloys we have been able to reduce the wall thickness of our tubing substantially, saving you more weight than ever on our current line up of custom steel frames. But, due to this reduction in wall thickness of the tubing, we must be alert to the possibility of corrosion. To battle rust on the inside of the tubes we actually fabricate the frame to be completely sealed from the elements, with the exception of the seat tube. Although we ream the seat tube to exacting tolerances water can still find its way into the seat tube, either through the top of the seat post or (via capillary action) between the seat post and the seat tube. To protect the internal surface of the seat tube we treat it with 3M Rustfighter 1 Internal Panel Coating prior to shipping the frame to you. Although this is the best product available for this application IT IS NOT A PERMANENT METHOD OF CORROSION PREVENTION AND SHOULD BE RENEWED PERIODICALLY.

WARNING: Seat tubes that have a serious rust problem due to lack of proper maintenance will not be covered under our warranty. Remember: your frame is made of steel, steel rusts, protect it if you want it to last.

Each time your steel frame has been exposed to wet conditions, or at least every 3 months, the following procedure should be:

• Remove the seat post and leave the bicycle upside down overnight so that the seat tube can drain and dry. This is best done in a warm and dry environment not a cold damp basement. We recommend hanging your bike from the front wheel when not in use, just for safety’s sake.

• Before reinserting the seat post make sure that the interior is dry and spray an even coating of, J.P. Weigle’s Frame Saver or its equivalent into the seat tube. Make sure to cover the entire inner surface of the seat tube.

• Apply a light layer of grease to the seat post before you re-install it into your frame.