Does anyone have any advice on having your bike frame nickel plated? I've heard it's amazing for corrosion resistance and can stop scratching etc. Has anyone used these guys? - http://www.electroless-nickel-plating.co.uk/
I've seen plenty of rusty nickle plated Marin and Orange frames.
Does look nice though, but it seems like you do still need to give it a bit of love now and again.
Never heard of anyone having a frame plated, would be interesting to know how much it costs.
I think Flossy Rockstar was considering doing it, to redo his DBR Apex. Not sure if he's got round to it yet. I've got a Nickle plated DB Axis, and it does rust, where the lacquer comes off.
Sounds cost prohibitive to me. I have a couple of handguns that I had nickel plated and it was terribly expensive...beautiful, but expensive. Hard chrome may be a bit more economical as well as durable from a corrosion perspective. There is an electroless or autocatalytic nickel treatment on the market that's extremely durable and marine grade resistant to the elements but for a frame the math will not work.
Had the same problem with the P7. After much soul searching (and checking of wallet) i had it done in a chrome powder coat, which looked great when built up with and new decals. Was about £65 for the frame.
I remember looking up how much chrome plating would be and I nearly fainted! Adds a fair bit of weight too.
The shiny powder coats really are good.
In related info, in the late 90’s I had a Dragonfly Double Dynamite BMX frame which was in dark grey satin chrome plate. Wow that finish was amazing, it really was.
Similarly a jeweller friend recommends using Pantene shampoo as it contains silicone which provides a barrier. He uses it in his shop to protect silver and also to wash his Ducati 916. Personally I use car wax on my P7.