Build a versatile performance bike: 1. repaint the frame.

The cycling season just finished,  the ski season has yet 1 or 2 weeks to start. Now it's just the time to rebuild my versatile performance bike. Having checked the weather forecast, it would be a warm week since this Sunday, which  makes a perfect opportunity to repaint the frame in the following  days.

It's actually a late 80's Fiori Modena triple butted and lugged chromoly steel frame.  The Fiori bike and its frame is rated in a decent middle level  category. Comparing to the high end race steel frame such as made from Columbus, Reynold  tube which are about 2000- 2500 g, this  frame weights above 3000 g. Compromising some lightness, it's  still a excellent candidate for city , light touringbike  due to its stiffness and geometry and decent build quality.

Most importance, the 54 cm is right my size and the 80's steel frame is almost the only option for the modern retro-style bike building( or rebuilding). Based on this frame, will build a versatile all around for city commuting, light touring or touring when full loaded performance bike.

Thanks to paint stripper spray, it took about 1 to 2 hours to remove the old coat and painting and sand for completly clean. I actually have been done  2 day ago.  Today sprayed  the primer as the first layer covering and for rust proving  as well. after several fine sanding and re-applying ,  the  frame is ready to paint.

I chose the "recreational white" color for retro and clean looking. leverage the precious warm weather , will paint it in garage and then heat it to dry beside the fireplace.

As expected,Sunday is warm and also a little windy for ventilation, good timing to do the job.

(click to enlarge)

Sprayed  the fork first, but  since did too fast,it generated some bubbles and spots on the surface. So the result is not ideal, need  sand it after it dry and repaint the 2nd layer. seems need more patient to achieve mirror flat result.


Patient does work!  Carefully sprayed little by little and let it dry, apply over and over, it's done and it does look clean and simple.  Thought it twice, instead of further apply the final clear coat, I just leave it as it. I prefer it home made style rather than a commercial product alike.


Having installed a race bike wheel set, It demonstrates the start point of my concept.