The 2011 model year has begun in the industry and the new bikes will soon be hitting the shops. Anodised, wet paint, powder coating or even pure aluminium are available on the market, each material has its advantages and disadvantages. In the BIKE test, paint quality and weight play a role, which is why many manufacturers have switched to only testing anodised bikes, even if there are more colourful, wet-painted alternatives. In our impact test, anodised proved to be a robust and weight-saving option. Wet paint, on the other hand, proves to be the least durable but more attractive solution in our endurance tests. The best combination of appearance and durability is powder coating. Unfortunately, however, more and more manufacturers are abandoning powder coating: (European) processing is considered too expensive because it cannot be supplied from Asia in the appropriate quality.
The methods at a glance
Interview with Alex Rockenstein
Specialist for frame coatings
Which process is best suited for which frame material?
For steel and aluminium, powder coating is used after chemical pre-treatment. Wet painting is used for magnesium and carbon. Titanium can only be blasted, polished or brushed.
Which method makes the most beautiful bike?
My favourite is airbrushing. But because this cannot be realised in series production, I would say wet painting and powder coating.
Powder coating is on the retreat. Why?
The main reason is that the process is not used in Asia, which makes it complicated for manufacturers. Of course, the choice of colour is somewhat limited with powder coating, but that was even worse a few years ago. It can't be the price, as powder coating is always cheaper than wet paint.
How much does powder weigh compared to wet paint and anodising?
Anodising has no measurable weight and is the lightest there is. Wet paint and powder don't have much in common. Wet paint weighs between 75 and 120 grams. With powder it can also be 75 to 180 grams per frame.
Which process is the most harmful to the environment?
The most harmful to the environment is anodising, as truly toxic solutions are used here. In Europe, wet paint is harmless - water-based paint is used here. In Asia, solvents are still used that are very dangerous for people and nature (hole in the ozone layer). Furthermore, paints containing heavy metals such as lead may be used in Asia. In Germany, these paints may only be processed by authorised companies. The most environmentally friendly method is powder coating!
Photos: Robert Niedring, Daniel Simon
