Bob Jackson (Vigorelli, etc)

Was it in this thread that someone said they were having problems with a slipping seatpost on their Vigorelli?

I'm having the same issue and I can't find where it was mentioned...

Late page, started with this post, maybe?

Not specifically with a BJ slipping. It was about their shoddy repair work.

Thanks Hugo, no, it wasn't that post though - it was a little while back, and IIRC they had admitted there was a problem with slipping seatposts.

This may as well go in here.

Just received my new Vigorelli frameset. I went for a couple of colours and it looks pretty nice.

They've made a bit of a mess of the lug lining at the back of the seatpost lug cluster thing. I phoned to query it but was told it's just in an awkward place. They did it fine on my Audax club frame though.

Just trying to work out if I should try and get BJ to re-paint it. It's a bit disappointing after spending all that cash.

Masking on the barbers pole isn't as crisp as i'd hoped either.

Maybe I am just being fussy. I've emailed them the pic to see what they say.

I just had a frame resprayed there and the masking (different coloured head tube and bands on the seat tube) was perfect.

I'd definitely give them a phone if you're not happy but I think the wait for a respray is six weeks - it depends on how perfect you want it to be. I don't think anyone looking at it would notice and it does look really nice.

I had the headtube painted black on mine and it's really sloppy. There's even the odd smudge of black paint on the lugs around it. Couldn't be bothered challenging them on it to be honest, the bike was supposed to be a bit rough and ready anyway.

I'm pretty sure they'd repaint if you decide that's what you want.

I had a problem (a spec issue rather than paint related) and they did sort it. Although it left me out of pocket for postage.

Sound like they didn't let it dry properly, send it back if you're not happy, you paid for your money worth, you should get it.

Awkward spot? Load of bollocks, I'm guessing you paid enough for it send it back!

Donald has replied to me already and was surprised by the photo of the lug lining on the seat tube lug. It's worse than he had thought after I tried to describe it on the phone.

Anyways, they have offered to touch it in somehow and will collect the frame from me which is great. I don't mind the wait if it means it'll be done better.

Apparently the 'feathered' masking line can happen. I've asked him to check it over when they receive it as I reckon it could be much better.

Lots of barbers pole/ seat tube bands are lined using an adhesive vinyl line to define the divide between paint colours prior to lacquering. how much was the respray? They really should do better...

It was a new frame + some paint extras. It's about £500, which is still good value I think. If you wanted that respray alone on an existing frame would be around £170.

Collection arranged for Monday. They are going to check it over and sort it one way or another. Very quick response from them so far via email so can't fault that.

Glad to hear they're sorting it Paul, hope it comes back satisfactory. As a Leeds lad I feel it's important Bob Jackson put out good work, cos sending frames finished like that is only going to damage the business, and they've not had the best year.

I love my vigorelli but don't rate the paint much, any tiny knock and thats a nice chunk of it gone.

Do they have more than one painter or is there something else that would explain the inconsistencies?

I usually just see Daryl or Paul so I'm not sure how many people actually work there and what they do but both paint jobs I've had (one on my Vigorelli and a respray on my girlfriends bike) have both been excellent.

To be fair, I think it's easy to obsess over the tiny details of things like lug lining or a slight smudge on a barbers pole. On the whole the work they produce is pretty good, and the frames themselves are nothing short of excellent. After your first decent ride on any frame there is likely to be more scratches and paint chips than there were when the bike was fresh from the factory.

I'd stop obsessing. I'm a little ham fisted, and every bike I've ever built has suffered a little in the build process, but it's just one of those things. Get over it.

I've had three repsrayed frames from Jacksons and a few custom builds. They've not been perfect, but they have been beautiful. From a distance (ie, not with a macro lens) they look brilliant - even my custom vigorelli that has three years worth of dents, scratches and chips still looks great, although it could use a repsray now.

Cancel the repsray, build the bike, ride the bike.

^ Pretty much my attitude. Within a couple of weeks mine was chipped and scuffed from locking up, general wear and tear, etc. - perfectly happy about it. I like patina.

Looks like you've got it sorted. I think that initially, the fob off of "its an awkward place" would have pissed me right off, but they have acknowledged their inconsistency and are sorting it out.
Good job.

To be fair, I think it's easy to obsess over the tiny details of things like lug lining or a slight smudge on a barbers pole. On the whole the work they produce is pretty good, and the frames themselves are nothing short of excellent. After your first decent ride on any frame there is likely to be more scratches and paint chips than there were when the bike was fresh from the factory.

I'd stop obsessing. I'm a little ham fisted, and every bike I've ever built has suffered a little in the build process, but it's just one of those things. Get over it.

I've had three repsrayed frames from Jacksons and a few custom builds. They've not been perfect, but they have been beautiful. From a distance (ie, not with a macro lens) they look brilliant - even my custom vigorelli that has three years worth of dents, scratches and chips still looks great, although it could use a repsray now.

Cancel the repsray, build the bike, ride the bike.

Actually, yeah.

I dropped mine whilst building it up and took a decent chip out of the downtube. After a couple of weeks of use, I couldn't even see it for the dirt.*

*Not strictly true - I polish my little baby every day....

Mine lost a chunk of paint whilst at the LBS having it's headset fitted. Bob Jackson don't seem to bother with a clear coat. I totally agree that marks and scrapes are inevitable. Just make sure you enjoy getting them!

I have a friend who rides a Commencal DH bike (about once a month) down hills in Wales. He's been doing this for a year now and still touches up the paint after each stone chip! This, I do not understand.

It's being sorted. Well, the barbers pole they say can't be improved. That's just the way it'll come out and would be the same if it were re-done apparently. The masking has to come off when the paint is wet for stove enamelling. That's fine. Just didn't know that before ordering. Still looked very nice though. Should be back with me early next week!

Chips and scratches are fine, if you put them there, but on a new frame it should be... new like. There's no mention of their painting not being perfect on their website, so info here is always useful. Having masked panels lined in another colour and not bothering with lug lining is probably the way to go.

Do they have more than one painter or is there something else that would explain the inconsistencies?

Not sure if this is up to date: http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/keystaff.php - Maybe they're just getting on a bit!

Mine lost a chunk of paint whilst at the LBS having it's headset fitted. Bob Jackson don't seem to bother with a clear coat. I totally agree that marks and scrapes are inevitable. Just make sure you enjoy getting them!

They maybe don't clear coat the standard enamel colours. Both of mine (metallics) have plenty of lacquer. Plain enamel is supposed to be the most durable though. I think the more layers of paint, clear etc, the less durable.

Mine's plain enamel and has chipped to the undercoat quite readily. I think it's mainly just modern paints being less hard-wearing.

Definitely agree about wayward lug lining not being acceptable, though. I'm a bit fussy with stuff like that and I knew there was no chance of it being done neatly enough for me, so I didn't have any. :)

Hope your frame gets sorted.

Mine was pearlescent white with silver lug lining (which was done pretty well).

I used to (2008) own a KOM with suspect lug lining; I think that's just the way with (at least modern) UK builders. Old school chippy paints and rough aesthetics. Generally much cheaper than NA builders, partly because of this approach.

very nice frame!!!