Painting Bike Frame

[TEPUI]

I'm ready to buy my first 29er.

I have very few choices (supply of entry level geared 29ers is still very limited in Chile) and it looks like I can only afford the Gary Fisher Mamba (sells for approx US$950 down here). The only problem is that I hate flashy bikes and would consider painting the frame if it's possible (depending on opinions I gather here) I know it may not be a smart idea, but i just hate the looks of it. I understand that I'd be ruining the pristine paint job and will never obtain such a pro finish. But i just don't see myself riding around in a red bike with so much lettering.

Mamba | Gary Fisher Bicycles

It's said to be built of "6066 butted & hydroformed aluminum" would it be crazy to strip it down and paint it? Is it even possible?

go on amigos...

 

[LSUfj]

aluminum would be easy to strip. I'd get it soda blasted if possible. The tubing is probably pretty thin if its triple butted, so I'd avoid anything too harsh. Use good paint and you should be fine.

There is resale to think about too. I'd take a few pics to prove what the bike was before you stripped it. Particularly, a pic of the serial # and the original paint.

 

[scottm]

My Epic came in flat grey with subdued grey lettering, I like that, but don't really care. Most people who paint their bikes flat are trying to look like they don't care, it's rarely because their bike really needed a paint job. My old bikes got ridden hard, chipped and scratched, didn't need a paint job. I'm a little concerned about a dent in my Epic, could have structural implications.

If it's what you like, paint it, but I'd just give it a quick sanding and rattle-can it for true "I don't care" image. Getting a little paint on the components would be over-the-top. Keep your receipts handy, a high-end bike with a crap paint job is suspicious.

 

[MANUCHAO]

I got a pink SS PUSS and I like the color on that.
The FS Ellswoth was orange and after the rear triangle broke I found a black frame on ebay so I painted the rear triangle black too for an all black rig..
I used rattle can flat black and after a few months of good use still holding good with some scratches here and there...but who cares.. its a sweet ride....

I would do a rattle can job..