Which Bike Rack Finish Is Best?

A great bike rack will both match your vision and be incredibly durable to stand the test of time and the elements. With so many materials, finishes, and colour combinations available, it can be overwhelming to decide which option is best for your application. In this blog, we will discuss the various materials and finishes we offer to help you make the right choice for your needs.

Powder Coated

Powder coated steel provides a wide option of finishes and textures. Our powder coat finish starts with either blasting or solvent cleaning which cleans and etches the steel surface. A zinc-rich primer is applied to ensure excellent adhesion to the base steel, and to protect the steel against corrosion and scratches. A final powder coat is electrostatically applied and baked on to give the rack or repair station the final colour and an additional layer of protection. Greenspoke offers 14 standard powder coat paint colours. We also can match a wide range of RAL colours and textures.

Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel

Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel is both extremely durable and cost-efficient. It requires the least amount of upkeep and the galvanized finish doesn’t chip, scratch, or flake from regular use. For projects where you desire minimal upkeep but require maximum durability, galvanized is an excellent option.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel finish is a beautiful and durable option, but it costs a premium. Greenspoke uses quality 304 grade stainless steel which will retain its like-new radiance for many years. A satin finish is typically provided, but a polish finish may be available upon request.

Which Option is the Most Rust Resistant?

The question most people have is, “what finish is going to be the most durable and combat rust the longest?” Hot Dipped Galvanized is very durable and is usually the most cost-efficient option making it a common choice. It is inherently rust-resistant and can last for many years, however, scratching would be one of the main areas of concern as scratches can accelerate rusting. The durability of power coated surfaces is on par with hot dipped galvanized, but what makes it different and often times more appealing, is the ability to colour the bike rack. Stainless steel is more resistant to scratching compared to galvanized however, it typically costs a premium. Stainless steel is also an ideal option for those in regions that get snow, where salt would be spread during the winter.

In summary, all three finishes are great options, it all comes down to a combination of budget and visual preference. If you have any additional questions about our finishes, please feel free to call us at 1-844-888-9999 or send us a message here.