Litespeed Paint Chipping

Hi Nate,
I have the same problem with my Litespeed. I have a 1999 Classic that when I ordered it I paid extra to have it paited black. I too can't argue with the quality of the finish itself, but, just like your bike, if you just tap the finish with anything harder than a fingernail it will chip off. This has been a problem since the day I got it, and Litespeed was not cooperative at all with my complaints. I used to have a Specialized road bike that had the same problem only worse. I think it's because the mass produced frames are not properly prepped prior to painting. So my advice to anyone is that if you want a nice paint job have a custom bicycle paint shop do the job, don't pay extra to have Litespeed do it for you. I've had a couple of bikes painted by Joe Bell in Spring Valley, CA (JB Bicycle Refinishing) and they've come out fine. I've pretty much given up on any mass produced frame having even a decent paint job.