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I bought this steel DMR frame new 10 onths ago, and I've just noticed that paint is flaking off around the rear brake mount, and rust appears to be spreading under the paint along the weld.
I did sand off the flaky paint/rust and put a bit of primer on initially, but on a proper look there was more rust than I initially thought.
Will it affect the weld strength, and if so should I email pics to DMR as a potential warranty issue? Or should I stop moaning and just sand back the paint and rust along the welds and touch it up?
Pics:
What's dmr's policy on the paint warranty?
I wouldn't be happy with that.
Could you have damaged it with a stone chip etc? Or is it in the production?
Aluminium or steel ?
EDIT - Just seen it, steel. The paint shouldn't come away that fast - it will need treating and repainting - but not under 10 months old - I have 25 year old frames without that - poor paint job
Aluminium - it's oxidisation and has a nasty habit of wrecking paint finishes unless you keep a check on it, it creeps under the paint very fast, and wrecks the finish. It's not terminal as the tubes are still strong. It shouldn't happen in 10 months, but some bike cleaners are a bit harsh, and can make it worse if the paint is chipped. Always worth painting chips as it stops the 'corrosion'.
Unlike steel, it's not going to weaken the frame. Steel left will rot the tubes.
Cheers, I'll email the pics to DMR/Upgrade and see what they say.
I bought it direct from Upgrade Bikes, so hopefully they'll see me right 🙂
paint does look bit thin in places or is that cable rub or an effect of the flash?
Thin paint will be more porous and let moisture through and lead to corrosion underneath it. You also have rust in the drain holes. first thing to do with a steel frame, if the manufacturer hasnt already, is treat inside the tubes with something to stop rust.
Steel left will rot the tubes.
Eventually, it's not like it disappears overnight, I've had bare patches of heel rub for years, and my old commuter had what hipsters would call 'patina', everyone else would just say it had 30 years of paint chips and winter rides.