I had purchased a TF9 Gen 4 when they had first released; and shortly after noticed this paint chipping from the frame. It was very minor at one point, and has since chipped into this big spot.
Treks line of action for warranty was to send paint. The paint is applied; but it just looks off…especially on the sunlight.
I'm not sure what caused this chipping but the white below makes me feel as if my frame wasn't properly primed before painting + what looks now like a brush stroked nail polish job.
by NiceBikeShit
13 Comments
Oh wow, I’m sorry to say this, but it really doesn’t look good. You’re absolutely right to be upset. I don’t know the full story, but if the bike is still under warranty, the frame should have been replaced. I would never accept paint (to do it myself) as a solution.
That’s a pretty terrible looking touch up job, but yeah the frame needed to be repainted (spray) to blend correctly. I would just recommend getting some vinyl wrap
It is upsetting and I would be angry about this warranty response but if you can’t get them to replace the frame I would sand that down and maybe try to use the paint in an airbrush to make it look more even and natural. Alternatively you could again sand that spot down and rattle can the entire frame a similar color. Sounds ghetto but would be better looking than what you got going on now.
Take it to a different trek store if that one isn’t getting you taken care of. They are usually great about making things right and standing behind their product.
Looks terrible. The solution is unacceptable. Make a stink. Tell them you want a new frame. Just a heads up – if they send a new frame you will need to pay for the disassembly/assembly labor.
You did a terrible touch up job.
2 year warranty on paint for a manufacturing defect. If the paint chips, it could be an adhesion issue but tough to say especially if it’s in a high wear area.
Call Trek. While they generally want you to work through a retailer, they will make this right if you call.
It looks like they applied the paint with a brush. Maybe you can order the color, sand the edges down a bit and then mixed with a little bit of acetate and use an aerosol sprayer.
Just get a new frame on warranty. Simple. You don’t like the paint and don’t think you should have to apply touch up paint. They will replace it.
That is terrible!
I have a suspicion there’s more to this story than you are letting on. What are the red marks where the paint has been chipped away.
That combined with the scrapes and dings surrounding the chipped paint make me think this isn’t solely a prep issue and may be why this isn’t being warrantied.
I’ve seen way way less damage that was truly defect related easily be warrantied without question.
To answer the original question. Yes.
Just get a piece of vinyl. Slap it on and go enjoy riding.