Levo Gen 3 Stripping the Alloy Frame to Raw.

[Dave_B]

So the project has started.

A local alloy wheel firm will dip the frame and I’ll then polish it up.

Will be putting black decals on when finished (and defo not purple @VWsurfbum ).

Starting point.

Stripped it down today.

And for those interested, these are the frame weights.

3.368Kg
Frame size is S5

 

[Dave_B]

I’ve done this before to two other bikes but stripped them myself. Took days!!

 

[Paulquattro]

Should look good

 

[VWsurfbum]

#NeedsMorePurple
Looking forward to seeing how this turns out, other than being wonky, it should look good.
What colour brake inserts did you get?

 

[Dave_B]

silver

 

[Snrbrtsn]

Shall be watching with interest and would love to see the finished bike when done
So tempted, just need to collect more enjoyment scars

 

[Spangoolies]

Your other bikes look ace! I think silver fork decals are a necessity. I’m a big fan of raw finish, not only does it look great, scratches and brake fluid spillages are no longer a problem.

My DH is raw and when my ebike gets enough of a beating, it will get the stripper treatment. Looking forward to seeing how your spesh comes out

 

[Hardtail]

I had my Mondraker soda blasted. I was going to clear coat or polish it but I liked the look so much i just left it raw.
A quick rub with a scotch bright pad makes it pop again.

 

[ironmanalishi]

Makes me wonder why they don’t offer this as a factory option….I know of another brand (giant) that does it! Seems the logical way forward to me rather then worrying about keeping paint finishes tip top ! Maybe….it’s a ploy to keep us buying new bikes periodically !

 

[Dave_B]

Agree. Raw frames are so easy to bring back to new. Yes it’s a hassle to get them stripped, but once done, a quick polish or run with a scotch pad and it’s back to new.

 

[Dave_B]

I did all the polishing by hand on the previous two frames, but this time, I have this and will use AutoGlym metal polish.

In2 Nano Polisher

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[Mcharza]

I totally agreed, this is my old Stumpy Evo, so sad they don't make it anymore.

 

[RAYDAHS]

Sneak peek...

 

[Nerds On Dirt MTB]

Looking forward to seeing this finished! I have a raw Transition Spire and its my fav looks wise!

 

[cozzy]

Your other bikes look ace! I think silver fork decals are a necessity. I’m a big fan of raw finish, not only does it look great, scratches and brake fluid spillages are no longer a problem.
View attachment 107244
My DH is raw and when my ebike gets enough of a beating, it will get the stripper treatment. Looking forward to seeing how your spesh comes out

Loved my solid strike blackstar, great bike. Yours looks mint raw. Now replaced with another uncommon German brand, nicolai.

 

[Spangoolies]

Loved my solid strike blackstar, great bike. Yours looks mint raw. Now replaced with another uncommon German brand, nicolai.

They do make some quality bikes over there, it’s a shame Solid packed it all in. It’s an old bike (I’m not one to talk) but it’s a tank, seen me through a few squeaky bum moments. Does me for the occasional bike park or holiday.
Is your Nicolai raw?

 

[cozzy]

They do make some quality bikes over there, it’s a shame Solid packed it all in. It’s an old bike (I’m not one to talk) but it’s a tank, seen me through a few squeaky bum moments. Does me for the occasional bike park or holiday.
Is your Nicolai raw?

No it's a black anodized g19. I would have probably kept mine if it was l/xI. I recall seeing yours on the pinkbike strike thread a while ago? Pretty sure you, or it may have been the previous owner, is pretty local to me, so may see yours in the flesh at rotate one day.

 

[Spangoolies]

No it's a black anodized g19. I would have probably kept mine if it was l/xI. I recall seeing yours on the pinkbike strike thread a while ago? Pretty sure you, or it may have been the previous owner, is pretty local to me, so may see yours in the flesh at rotate one day.

Yup, that was me. We still head up to Rogate or stoughton every now and then, hopefully run in to you, will keep an eye out! You will possibly find me looking at the dmr line, not riding it, just fooling myself that I could give it an attempt and survive

 

[Dave_B]

I get the frame back from being dipped tomorrow, then it’s game on!

 

[Christox]

I''m excited about the result !
My Levo alloy is waiting for this operation.

This was my Kenevo before 2 years after the Raawing precedure:

 

[Dave_B]

It’s back from the strippers.

Needs some love…..

 

[Dave_B]

Weights without paint.

3.222kg

 

[Dave_B]

So about 150g of paint.

 

[beanzz]

This thread is making me tempted to do the same

 

[Hardtail]

It’s back from the strippers.

Needs some love…..

View attachment 107460

Nice one Dave. Is the surface pitted or is that just residue from the chemical process?
I was surprised with soda blasting at how smooth and clean my frame came out.

 

[Zimmerframe]

This thread is making me tempted to do the same

Which part ?

back from the strippers

 

[beanzz]

Which part

The stripped bikes just look so nice AND with the benefit of no more chipped paint

 

[Dave_B]

Nice one Dave. Is the surface pitted or is that just residue from the chemical process?
I was surprised with soda blasting at how smooth and clean my frame came out.

Lots of chemical staining. It’s not too pitted, nothing a light sand won’t take care of.

 

[Christox]

Looks like the main frame is ball burnished by Speci to surface-strengthen it.
My old Kenevo also had a ball-burnished main frame but no pittings on the rear parts. I see the same on your parts.

 

[Dave_B]

Ball burnishing?