Paint or Nail Polish?

[Andrew Joseph]

Long one,

I fell hard for Rivendell bikes years ago. And I stopped using Crust Classifieds recently altogether as I find the Riv Group (in my experience) is generally a much more patient, thoughtful, and helpful community.  Although, there are many people on the Crust forum that are in this group as well and fantastic. Again, just my experience.  I appreciate users from both groups. But I say that because you all are so helpful and I need some feedback. 

I recently posted a complete lugged Susie here for trade that my wife (a non-bike rider now) was very clear she won’t be riding. A group member replied that had a brand new Sage Sam frameset in my size and a used wheelset they were willing to trade.  The only additional requirement from me was this party needed to cover shipping on both the Susie complete and the Sam frame/wheelset.  

If you are still with me.  I included a Nitto front rack, tires, Paul levers, Nitto seatpost, Paul skewers, etc.  to make it worth their time and investment.  And I was pumped about the trade.  I planned to store the frame and build up the “brand new,” Sam sometime in the future.  

I made effort to ensure they came out on top of this trade…

I requested the member send me BikeFlights labels for the Susie and full insurance on both the Sam frame/wheels and the Susie.  I didn’t specify BikeFlights for the Sam.  

And then, the Susie was packed consistent with how I would like to receive a bike from a member here.  I invested in extra packing materials and added to the already professionally packed Susie.  We all know it’s not uncommon to receive unsolicited (and maybe uncommon?) kindness/gifts from members of this group.  I added 4lbs total of packed weight just to feel more comfortable shipping the Susie across the country.  Knowing it was going to a great home. *Of note, the Susie wheelset was shipped in a dedicated and separate wheelbox.*

I received the Susie BikeFlight labels and dropped off both boxes, the frame and wheelset at a local UPS store and off it went. I provided detailed photographs of the packing job, photos both boxes, and proof and photos of shipping.  All important if a claim was necessary later on with BikeFlights. 

Now.  The Sam frameset and wheelset.  

Communication slowed a bit with the trader. Ultimately they responded while on location at a US Postal Service store (to my surprise).  

I attempted to express my concern regarding not utilizing BikeFlights.  It was rebuked.  They in turn, stating since shipping was “on them,” they chose a different courier (paraphrase).  

Okay, fair enough.  

I asked multiple times if one or more boxes were used to pack the frame and wheels.  I ultimately only received the response immediately before it arrived yesterday.  One box.

The frame and wheels were packed in the same box.  As shown.  

The frame was draped in a single layer of bubble wrap.  A separate single layer of bubble wrap in between the wheels and frameset.  The wheels literally touching the frame the entire trip. Naturally, resting in between the pockets of air in the bubble wrap, not on them.  The frameset and wheels were also unsecured to anything.  And most of the wrap had fallen down.  No tape was used anywhere.  So just a Sam frame, hanging out with the wheels.  With small amounts of plastic in between the whole trip.  The unsecured wheels also allowed the hubs to rip through the box on both sides.  I haven’t closely inspected the axles yet or checked true. 

I will post some paint damage and blems if helpful. The largest area where the paint was removed past the primer is the headtube.  Where I can assume it was banged around quite a bit while en route. Another really good scratch on the drive side seat stay.  I am very grateful things weren’t much worse.  The group member suggested I file a claim with USPS as a solution.  I am thoroughly shocked, and bummed about receiving a new bike frame in this way.  

A few questions for the group:

1.  Does anyone have any experience filing a claim with USPS.  Is it worth my time?

2. Does anyone recommend a painter that can match paint in my region?  I am in Oklahoma City.

3.  Any Sage owners out there with a close color match nail polish? Or other recommendation. 

I’m hoping it’s an old enough color, someone out there has nailed it!

Thanks everyone for reading this far and for any advice.  The whole things got me considering this my last “trade.“

R,

Drew

[Andrew Joseph]

Update,

The group member now also isn’t sure they have a shipping receipt or proof of insurance.  So, disregard on the USPS claim question.  It appears I’m on my own due to that cumbersome process…

Still hoping someone has a solid nail polish or  testors paint match for the latest Sage color?

I will give Riv a call if not.

R,

Drew

On Mar 12, 2026, at 7:38 PM, Andrew Joseph <drew.jo...@gmail.com> wrote:

Long one,

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[Mike Godwin]

Hi Drew

I found a perfect match in nail polish at Ulta store nearby, for my yellow Ebisu. It is like, perfect. So perhaps you may luck out there. 

Mike SLO CA

[Andrew Joseph]

Okay Mike thank you!

Let the search begin in that case…

Looks like we have Ultas all over the city too.

Have a great weekend, thanks for the response.

- Drew

On Mar 13, 2026, at 11:35 AM, Mike Godwin <spoke...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Drew

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[Andrew Joseph]

The Riv team came through as usual.  

Special thanks to Vince! 

Paint found, but apologies I don’t have an RAL or Pantone.

[Will Armero]

If the shipper/seller did not packagae the bike well and they didnt purchase insurance, it is on them to deliver a bike that is as described (not messed up)!

Sounds like even if they had all the required documentation no one is gonna pay out their insurance claim with such horrible packaging.

Hopefully they do the right thing and help you out.

Rick Stefani of .D&D cycles in bay area still repaints Rivendells at an affordable price i believe

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[Andrew Joseph]

Thanks Will!

Hey, I actually emailed Rick.

The only thing the member has actually offered, is an apology.  Which actually means a lot to me.  

And also the Shimano skewers that I assumed he would include with the wheelset anyway (no skewers provided, another surprise).  And some Nitto road stem I didn’t ask for.

It may be shocking.  But I declined that proposal.  

On Mar 13, 2026, at 7:39 PM, Will Armero <arm...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Patrick Moore]

IME, with many competently and conscientiously packed packages for fairly priced goods described as sent received from members on this and the boblist over the years, I have to say that this seems simply to be a bad transaction that’s hard to read about, and that that, if the seller will not own up and make this good financially, then he ought to be outed to protect others, tho’ allowed to have his say.

Audiatur et altera pars. Let the other side also be heard. But the description given so far seems credible.

Me, if the Sam were a keeper, I’d bite the financial bullet and have it painted, or at least powder coated (and I’ve had some wonderful powdercoat jobs that beat many paint jobs I’ve seen).

[Andrew Joseph]

Agreed, and I yield the floor.  

Might definitely be a candidate for a repaint.  

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 13, 2026, at 9:08 PM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:



IME, with many competently and conscientiously packed packages for fairly priced goods described as sent received from members on this and the boblist over the years, I have to say that this seems simply to be a bad transaction that’s hard to read about, and that that, if the seller will not own up and make this good financially, then he ought to be outed to protect others, tho’ allowed to have his say.

Audiatur et altera pars. Let the other side also be heard. But the description given so far seems credible.

Me, if the Sam were a keeper, I’d bite the financial bullet and have it painted, or at least powder coated (and I’ve had some wonderful powdercoat jobs that beat many paint jobs I’ve seen).

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