:confused:

Just picked up a virtually new 04 R3000 in the matte black color-- unfortunately there are a few substantial scratches - one on the seat stay and one on the chain stay - of course these go through the @#$% decals - those I will touch up as best I can. There is also a scratch on the fork a few inches long about 1/8" wide - any reccomendations for this touchup ? You can sort of see the carbon through the paint and I ordered touch up from C'dale.

I would post pics but do not know how to reduce file size.

Originally bought the bike thinking I would sell frame - thinking only 2 small scratches as advertised - however forgetting about the probabale reduced value do to amount of scratches
I am amazed how far alluminum has come since my rock hard 2000 R300, the Optimo is amazing! The BB on this frame is also so much stiffer - don't know if it is a function of the D'ACE 10 cranks or frame - I am really amazed ! Only road it twice once for about 14 miles of which 10 were excruciating due to saddle (not stock, original owner switched out Aireone (sp?) for Selle Italia Prolink Light, today switched to old San Marco Regal and went about 25 miles and loved it. The bike smooth, not teeth/bone chattering or should I say shattering as I remember my old Cannondale. Anyway I am rambling -

Any suggestions ?

Thanks

If the scratch is just thru the epoxy coat over the carbon, you should be able to fill the scratch and touch it up. If it is into the carbon fiber, I would take it to someone experienced in carbon repair (boat yard that deals in high end race boats?) and have them look at it. The other option is to just replace it.

Thanks for advice had an expert look at it - he said just touch it up with original paint.

Thanks