Saddle rail coating coming off

bill_gates

Although it is cosmetic only, I’m annoyed that the coating has began to ‘peel’ from my Specialized saddle rail.

Any tips on what product could make this more pleasing on the eye such as spraying it with paint or nail polish, etc?

I’ve only just missed a warranty claim by a few weeks.

Matthewfalle

spray it or nail varnish or wrap it or strip it all off so there is nothing to come off.

#rails

step83

Your compressing a coating so it will always start flaking. do the above or ignore it like me, I never see the rails when im riding, if you do I venture you have a more exotic riding style than most.

keef66

I'd just ignore it because I don't worry too much about appearance as long as everything is mechanically sound. Bikes pick up dings, scratches and dirt. It's just a sign they are well used.

You on the other hand you sound as if you're allowing a bit of peeling paint to spoil your enjoyment of the bike. To the extent you'd consider a warranty claim if you could :shock:

If it's painted metal rails I'd just scrape off whatever's left and polish them up to a nice finish. The saddle clamp's going to make marks on the rails.

If carbon rails you quite often see them wrapped in something but I have no idea what.

bill_gates

I suppose it is just vanity and I like 'stuff' to look like how it was intended.

I do agree it is not visible when riding and really only I would see it when I'm 'off the bike' but detail is something I've always been particular about, it's just how I am wired!

Might look at something like Plastikote which I've had some success on other products with before.

sam_anon

Bill Gates wrote:

I suppose it is just vanity and I like 'stuff' to look like how it was intended.

I do agree it is not visible when riding and really only I would see it when I'm 'off the bike' but detail is something I've always been particular about, it's just how I am wired!

Might look at something like Plastikote which I've had some success on other products with before.

That'll come off too though. I've seen a few saddle rails polished by legs/clothing garments, not just seat post clamps. Good luck with whatever method you try though!

step83

keef66 wrote:

If carbon rails you quite often see them wrapped in something but I have no idea what.

I know the stuff you mean, looks very similar to cotton bar tape, as in the Velotex stuff.

pippi_langsamer-2

I had this happen on a PRO Stealth saddle. Cheap painted black rails flaked after the initial set-up process. It's annoying that for a pretty expensive saddle they can't either leave it bare or anodise, but it's a minor visual annoyance I guess. I'll probably Nitromors it in the off-season...