What's this?

[jonny jeez]

Believe it or not...and I didnt...they are security markings.

Alpha dots (primary spots) that are applied in a kind of lacquer or nail varnish.

leaves a raised grouping of small black pitted spots. I was sceptical until chappy at the LBS showed me two other locations on the bike (that I shan't divulge on T'internet) of the same pattern, then showed me the same on another new bike on display.

To illustrate, he picked at the edge of the grouping and raised the "varnish" slightly to reveal fresh paint underneath. I may take the group off as its now flaking at the edges and I still have a few hundred of these dots distributed across the bike.

As if more proof were required, I went home to check my old (exploded) rim to see if the same marks were on the hub...bingo.

Looks like Ian can keep hold of the sparkly armbands of glory...wonder when he'll collect?

 

[jarlrmai]

hurrah your bike isn't rusting away.

 

[fossyant]

Did you buy the bike second hand, or have the dots applied.

Tell you what, though, you haven't been cleaning it properly if you've only just spotted them - I'll give you a C+ mark.

 

[DWiggy]

...either that or has freckles.

 

[jonny jeez]

Did you buy the bike second hand, or have the dots applied.

Tell you what, though, you haven't been cleaning it properly if you've only just spotted them - I'll give you a C+ mark.

Bought it new (cycle surgery apply dots to all theirs) and even registered the alpha dot application online, just had no idea what they looked like.

Oh and .....yes, I'm still adjusting to the shame!