May as well through my worth in here as well. Quoting directly from the web site of a company that do TiN coating (The coating forms a metallurgical bond to the substrate that will not flake, blister, chip or peel. In fact, the coating is actually implanted slightly into the surface layer of the substrate). To me this sounds like there may have been a problem with the coating process. They also state that TiN is a low friction surface. So while this in it self will not cause any problems (worn gold coating that is) with the function of the forks it surely must be enough to cause consearn of premature wear. Both of my bikes still look good and so far have only had to replace one set of seals (Scura) it now has 36,000kms.