Painted bikes are beuatiful...

[Mikej]

But I am just too OCD to ride one. Have paint durability / clear coats had any advancements lately? Or has the EPA rules caused builders to use more friendly chemicals? I was just admiring the Bi-Lam thread, that's why its on my mind.

[thwart]

Originally Posted by Mikej

But I am just too OCD to ride one. Have paint durability / clear coats had any advancements lately? Or has the EPA rules caused builders to use more friendly chemicals? I was just admiring the Bi-Lam thread, that's why its on my mind.

Get a bike that with paint that's easy to touch up (solid colors, ideally with a car paint code) and also put a little protective clear tape on the problem areas. Done.

Worst case scenario... you pay for a repaint several years down the line... and get to come up with your own design.