Need some advice - frame finish

[creashor]

Hi

I received my De Rosa yesterday. It's my first carbon bike and I want some reassurance on the finish. It's a matt dark great and the finish seems shoddy to me. But I qualify that in that the initial research I've fine says the this is typical of un-wrapped carbon matt frames and us to be expected.

I have the option of sending it back, but I don't want to if the replacement will be similar. It's a aesthetic issue, not performance. Maybe it just needs a clean!

Any advice gratefully received

Thanks

 

[raleighnut]

Its Melting.

 

[creashor]

It's never been ridden , let alone in the rain!

 

[vickster]

That's why Matt black bikes are to be avoided that said Matt White marks too! I'd talk to the lbs if ut doesn't improve with a gentle wipe with a lint free cloth

 

[youngoldbloke]

IMO exactly as it should be. My Rose XEON CRS is very similar. Matt finish Unidirectional carbon. There was a post the other day about the finish on a Canyon. The variations in the surface appearance will not wipe off, they are the result of the manufacturing process. Have heard it descibed as 'marble-like', and I love the silky feel.

 

[Kestevan]

Yep. That's how uncoated carbon looks...... bloody scruffy.

 

[SteCenturion]

@creashor

there are specialist cleaning products out there (somewhere) for matt carbon. Off the top of my head I can't recall the names but one or two have been tested or at least reported on in a mag I read.

That matt look is quite cool IMO but marks very easily with mucky fingers & anything greasy.

I would "embrace the imperfections" get riding it & be proud to have a De Rosa & not a Pinny-Rolo or see a hundred a day bike.

Looks lush.

Send it my way if you can't 'gel' with it.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Not had any problems cleaning mine - use spray of Fenwicks FS1 diluted as directed, leave a few minutes, then rinse off with gentle spray of clean water. Dry with clean rags, then lube chain, pivot points etc. Just like my other non CF bikes. The matt CF finish seems to repel water anyway.

 

[creashor]

@creashor

there are specialist cleaning products out there (somewhere) for matt carbon. Off the top of my head I can't recall the names but one or two have been tested or at least reported on in a mag I read.

That matt look is quite cool IMO but marks very easily with mucky fingers & anything greasy.

I would "embrace the imperfections" get riding it & be proud to have a De Rosa & not a Pinny-Rolo or see a hundred a day bike.

Looks lush.

Send it my way if you can't 'gel' with it.

Thanks, good advice. It's my first carbon bike and I just wanted to make sure that what I had was normal. I love the look of it and have lusted after a De Rosa - proud to own it, imperfections'n'all.

Not had any problems cleaning mine - use spray of Fenwicks FS1 diluted as directed, leave a few minutes, then rinse off with gentle spray of clean water. Dry with clean rags, then lube chain, pivot points etc. Just like my other non CF bikes. The matt CF finish seems to repel water anyway.

Thanks very much - I'll take a look at the FS1.

 

[bpsmith]

I bought a Bianchi Sempre Pro a couple of months back. Bike arrived, via Germany, and I was initially disappointed with the finish. Its Matt black, like yours, and I thought that I had been sent a dodgy finished one. It's not quite as noticeable as yours, but does have imperfections in the uniformity. The finish is perfectly smooth though.

The next day I got it out to build up and just fell in love with it!

Strange things us humans. If it's meant to be finished like that, then we love it. If we think it's not supposed to be that way, then we start feeling mad, even if we love the way it looks!

That is one very nice looking bike...now hurry up and send us a full bike shot!

 

[smokeysmoo]

I concur, the Focus Cayo Pro I had was the same, but TBH it got on my t!t$ in the end and had to go

 

[bpsmith]

My Bianchi in places is more like the type of marks you get if you rub hard on a Matt surface and get a shiny spot. Then other bits are bigger areas that look more like the fibres running different ways.

On bikes like these, I guess they assume that we want them to ride rather than look at. They do a gloss version of mine too. Paint hides a lot of things for those that can't live with the exposed look.

 

[cycle zombie]

Hi

I received my De Rosa yesterday. It's my first carbon bike and I want some reassurance on the finish. It's a matt dark great and the finish seems shoddy to me. But I qualify that in that the initial research I've fine says the this is typical of un-wrapped carbon matt frames and us to be expected.

I have the option of sending it back, but I don't want to if the replacement will be similar. It's a aesthetic issue, not performance. Maybe it just needs a clean!

Any advice gratefully received

Thanks View attachment 59196 View attachment 59197 View attachment 59196 View attachment 59197 View attachment 59198

Hi
I have seen this finish on a Mekk bike before and don't think it is anything unusual. How's the De Rosa ride by the way, I am thinking of getting a R838 myself but I am worried it might be a little too racy and stretched out for me. Many thanks.

 

[bpsmith]

Hi
I have seen this finish on a Mekk bike before and don't think it is anything unusual. How's the De Rosa ride by the way, I am thinking of getting a R838 myself but I am worried it might be a little too racy and stretched out for me. Many thanks.

I looked at the R838, but got a Bianchi instead on a deal. My Sempre Pro is a lot racier than my Defy and I worried before too.

It all comes down to the fit. If it's set up right, then you will be surprised at how comfortable it can be. Well worth getting a bike fit done.

It also depends on your flexibility too, obviously. The only issue I have had with mine is the saddle. Mine is too wide, which is strange on a racier bike, but easily swapped and ready for a test ride today.

 

[SteCenturion]

Hi
I have seen this finish on a Mekk bike before and don't think it is anything unusual. How's the De Rosa ride by the way, I am thinking of getting a R838 myself but I am worried it might be a little too racy and stretched out for me. Many thanks.

Before you get an R838 take a look at the Ribble R872, it's the same frame from the same mold, used to be called Ribble Stealth a few years back.
Edit. Much cheaper also.

You could sit on one at the Ribble store if it's near enough, out Preston way.

Good lightweight frame & forks, more 'race' than sportive geometry.

If going for a Ribble R872, its worth getting the frame forks & sourcing your own parts as the contact points, bar, stem, seatpost inc in full builds are fairly basic & the budget wheels are cack.

I would do this anyway as it gives you more control of the finished bike & ends up being exactly what you have specced & not from a narrow options list.