Decal Help - Koga Miyata ForeRunner

[harrisonts]

Hi folks,

I recently bought a practically NOS 1990 Koga Miyata ForeRunner frame. It was in perfect condition visually, but I soon noticed that the decals scratched off very easily. I followed advice I found on another bicycle forum site and ordered "helicopter" tape to apply to the frame. This is some super thick transparent tape that is used to protect helicopter wings from debris, which sounded like a great way to protect the frame but I did not anticipate how difficult this stuff would be to apply properly. I had pretty good results on the chainstays, but the curved fork was problematic and it ended up all full of bubbles and creases, and when I tried to reposition the tape I pulled up the decals and even parts of the clearcoat. I ended up pulling it completely off the fork and tearing most of the decals and a good part of the clearcoat off.

So I'm looking for some replacement decals. I'd also like to figure out what to do with the rest of the frame. The tape looks fine on the chainstays, but the seat tube has quite a few bubbles, so I'd like to redo it but I don't want to risk losing the decals if I don't have replacements!

I contacted Mt. Airy Bicycles in Mt. Airy, Maryland (the only U.S. distributor of Koga bicycles) to see if they have replacement decals and I yet to hear back. Does anyone know of another possible source for decals for this bike?

Thanks for your advice,
Harrison

 

[Whatleymeister]

Hi Harrison,

You want to get in touch with member gil_m on here, he is the decal guru and should be able to make some decals for you.

Welcome to the forum

Dan

 

[Skinwhistle]

Yes try gil_m, he's sorting my decals out at the moment!
And welcome to RB

 

[Elev12k]

On German eBay there are decals that do not look 100% accurate, but could do the job depending on what your expectations are. The Koga frames are flawless quality frames with 7 step coat. The decals are the absolute most vulnerable point. Once they start chipping, because of taking a hit or whatever, it is going very fast. I have/had dozens of frames with this kind of decal. I never had a serious issue, but that is because I stay away from them and treat them carefully. If a chip I apply a tiny bit clear on top, over te edges. Frankly, applying helicopter tape on the decals is not what I would have done. I get the idea, but don't touching them is the more pragmatic solution with perhaps better results.

The ForeRunner is a great frame for heavy duty randonneuring btw.