Living Car Free - Let's remove brand name decals from our new bikes and appreciate bikes as bikes

Let's get over the knicks and scratches on new, nice bikes. Let's remove the decals and stickers.

I bought a Surly Cross Check and outfitted it with Surly Nice Racks and Brooks handlebar tape and B17 saddle. I was devastated after a crash this morning inflicted a few cosmetic blemishes on the frame, saddle, and saddle bar tape this morning but you know what, I bought Surly because of its quality and reputation not because of the brand. I'm not the kind to chase brand names like Guess jeans and Coach purses and I don't need Surly stickers constantly reminding me of the brand name consumerist culture that encourages us to to buy beyond our means and replace used things with new things. I already took the stickers off the racks and I'm considering taking the decals off the frame. It'll help me appreciate the bike for what it is, a bike to ride, have fun with, and take me places, not look at and fret over every little knick.

What do you think? Have you taken the decals off your new bikes? Do you have a second hand bike that you love because of its imperfections?

Yes

thats a nice decal-free set-up, but then again it's a nice color. black might look plain without decals.

I'm not a fan of name brands. If it weren't such a pain, I'd take them off of everything I own. I guess I'm just being lazy.

But yeah, the next bike I build will be brand-sticker-less.

good, let's start something.

I just thought of another advantage, a decal-less bike would be less of a target for theft. I hate feeling like I have to lock it up with the u-lock and two cables that I used so that no one steals it. Of course, there would still be the embossed metal "S" on the front but that would be the only give away.

There's what looks like a new Bianchi Pista and new Cannondale track bike, and I look that eye candy up and down every time. I don't that to be my bike.

Let's get over the knicks and scratches on new, nice bikes. Let's remove the decals and stickers.

I bought a Surly Cross Check and outfitted it with Surly Nice Racks and Brooks handlebar tape and B17 saddle. I was devastated after a crash this morning inflicted a few cosmetic blemishes on the frame, saddle, and saddle bar tape this morning but you know what, I bought Surly because of its quality and reputation not because of the brand. I'm not the kind to chase brand names like Guess jeans and Coach purses and I don't need Surly stickers constantly reminding me of the brand name consumerist culture that encourages us to to buy beyond our means and replace used things with new things. I already took the stickers off the racks and I'm considering taking the decals off the frame. It'll help me appreciate the bike for what it is, a bike to ride, have fun with, and take me places, not look at and fret over every little knick.

What do you think? Have you taken the decals off your new bikes? Do you have a second hand bike that you love because of its imperfections?

I take all decals off my bikes, wheels, etc - anything that can be removed without damage. I will never wear cycling clothes with team names or sponsor logos. If the manufacturer wants me to advertise their products, they can pay me for it.

I've always been of the opinion that cyclists who obsess over decals and brand names are lacking... maturity, to put it politely.

good, let's start something.

I just thought of another advantage, a decal-less bike would be less of a target for theft. I hate feeling like I have to lock it up with the u-lock and two cables that I used so that no one steals it. Of course, there would still be the embossed metal "S" on the front but that would be the only give away.

There's what looks like a new Bianchi Pista and new Cannondale track bike, and I look that eye candy up and down every time. I don't that to be my bike.

The Surly head badge is actually just a puffy sticker. It was actually already peeling off when I bought the bike so I just finished the job.

The Surly head badge is actually just a puffy sticker. It was actually already peeling off when I bought the bike so I just finished the job.

oh damn it is, i could really go logo-less. I'm scared to do that, though. What if it looks plain?

oh damn it is, i could really go logo-less. I'm scared to do that, though. What if it looks plain?

Oh, the horror! But you really know deep down inside it's not, which is all that matters. :)

On that note, I might have to build a Ti bike and paint it flat black. Just because.

Should I just do it already? A replacement pack is only $12 on amazon.

oh damn it is, i could really go logo-less. I'm scared to do that, though. What if it looks plain?

Laminate a picture of yourself and glue it in the head-tube if it looks plain.

Laminate a picture of yourself and glue it in the head-tube if it looks plain.
you're a funny, funny man. how's korea riding?

Korean riding is chill but the drivers are not. Its also very hilly here so it has its ups and downs. Get it?

When it comes to your head-tube, you could always just do something creative: http://www.etsy.com/listing/33586942/mustache-on-yer-bike

here's some other ideas for custom head badges, pretty cool.
http://www.headbadges.com/id74.html

I like that Surly had the forethought to think some people might not want logos everywhere.

Let's get over the knicks and scratches on new, nice bikes. Let's remove the decals and stickers.


What do you think? Have you taken the decals off your new bikes? Do you have a second hand bike that you love because of its imperfections?

I got a Surly LHT about two years ago, and removed the decals within a month or two. I'm glad I did: the bike looks a whole lot classier without the gaudy lettering all over the frame. Like you, I'm happy that Surly went with mere decals; an hour or two with a heat gun, a dilute solution of acetone, and a credit card were all it took to remove pretty much everything from the frame.

As for the scratches and other dings, that comes with riding a bike on a regular basis. In my experience, these most often occur on very crowded bike racks in front of pubs and stores, or on ferries. I actually get kind of irritated when I notice that all of the scratches on my bike were put there by other cyclists.

I have been known to do this with bikes, car and anything else that has stickers. If it is under clearcoat I leave them alone.

I got a Surly LHT about two years ago, and removed the decals within a month or two. I'm glad I did: the bike looks a whole lot classier without the gaudy lettering all over the frame. Like you, I'm happy that Surly went with mere decals; an hour or two with a heat gun, a dilute solution of acetone, and a credit card were all it took to remove pretty much everything from the frame.

As for the scratches and other dings, that comes with riding a bike on a regular basis. In my experience, these most often occur on very crowded bike racks in front of pubs and stores, or on ferries. I actually get kind of irritated when I notice that all of the scratches on my bike were put there by other cyclists.

I removed mine on the day I bought it with some duct tape. Took 15 mins. However, if you don't take them off right away they can get sun baked onto the bike and then may require the stuff you had to do.

I wonder if people wouldn't recognize a Paramount or Waterford with or without a decal? I don’t know that I could even consider removing a Waterford head tube decal badge. I think I could tell but maybe not.

Let's get over the knicks and scratches on new, nice bikes. Let's remove the decals and stickers.

Sounds like the problem is in the mind, not in the decals. :lol:

I wonder if people wouldn't recognize a Paramount or Waterford with or without a decal? I don’t know that I could even consider removing a Waterford head tube decal badge. I think I could tell but maybe not.


I can identify many vintage bikes without any decals or head badges. Some like the old Raleigh and Raleigh clones are easy to spot a mile away. French bikes also quite often stand out in a crowd too, at least to me.

To each their own, I don't particularly like the splashy graphics, but don't mind the more subtle ones. I am also of the opinion that most bike thefts are crimes of opportunity and the average bike thief has no clue what they are stealing they just want a quick buck. The more sophisticated thieves (professionals) are probably going to know what is a good bike and what is not just by looking.

Aaron :)

...I don't need Surly stickers constantly reminding me of the brand name consumerist culture that encourages us to to buy beyond our means and replace used things with new things.. It'll help me appreciate the bike for what it is, a bike to ride, have fun with, and take me places, not look at and fret over every little knick.

What do you think? Have you taken the decals off your new bikes? Do you have a second hand bike that you love because of its imperfections?

Stickers? You're talking about stickers?

Geez, I hate to think what effect a big billboard has on you.

Take your stickers off or leave em on, who cares. Either way, calm down a little.

thats a nice decal-free set-up, but then again it's a nice color. black might look plain without decals.
I actually want my bikes to look plain. I'm planning to use no-gloss satin black.

My "Truckaccino" color LHT has all the decals (and headbadge) removed. It looks quite nice. My old Raleigh single-speed conversion was powder-coated, and only has the headbadge. My other two bikes have the decals under the clear coat, so they are there to stay.

I didn't actually remove the stickers from my Kona, I did however, cover all of them with colored duct tape, except the head tube sticker--that one got covered with a copy of the cover of one of my favorite books--When, Why, If by Robin Wood.

I actually thought about taking a seam ripper to the Xtracycle logo on my freeloaders. I decided against it, I was afraid that I would do a certain amount of damage to them.

Let's get over the knicks and scratches on new, nice bikes. Let's remove the decals and stickers.

I bought a Surly Cross Check and outfitted it with Surly Nice Racks and Brooks handlebar tape and B17 saddle. I was devastated after a crash this morning inflicted a few cosmetic blemishes on the frame, saddle, and saddle bar tape this morning but you know what, I bought Surly because of its quality and reputation not because of the brand. I'm not the kind to chase brand names like Guess jeans and Coach purses and I don't need Surly stickers constantly reminding me of the brand name consumerist culture that encourages us to to buy beyond our means and replace used things with new things. I already took the stickers off the racks and I'm considering taking the decals off the frame. It'll help me appreciate the bike for what it is, a bike to ride, have fun with, and take me places, not look at and fret over every little knick.

What do you think? Have you taken the decals off your new bikes? Do you have a second hand bike that you love because of its imperfections?

This is a confusing post. You bought a Surly Cross Check, but you are opposed to the stickers? OK, take 'em off -- it's your bike, who's stopping you? And yet, you have not removed them -- but you are encouraging others to do so. But you did take them off of the racks.

What is your point? The Surly Cross Check is a nice bike, with or without stickers. It will last a very long time. Compared to a motor vehicle, it's a bargain. You say you bought it for its quality and reputation. Cool. But the STICKERS ruin that for you? Really?

I don't think that the decals on the bike encourage spending beyond one's means. Do you think that you did spend beyond your means and that removing the stickers will somehow remedy that?

I do have two old Raleighs. One I will probably powder coat. Husband is horrified, says I can't do it without getting a new sticker set for it. I say that I can; it's my damn bike. And I totally bought them for their quality and reputation, and they were dirt cheap. I will also probably buy a Retrovelo -- for its quality and reputation, and the fact that it is EXACTLY the bicycle that I want. And the decals don't bother me and neither does the price. I don't buy cars. This bicycle will probably be with me for at least 20 years. A $2K car? Not a chance in hell. That is definitely not consumerist or spending beyond my means.

Laminate a picture of yourself and glue it in the head-tube if it looks plain.

I'm totally doing that on my "desecrated" Raleigh mixte.

I remove the decals on every bike i have, ive never liked the cluttered look that most bikes have. Theres nothing like the clean lines of a simply painted bike. These are just three of my bikes but every one is the same no decals. theres only three parts on my kuwie that have brand names still on them the wheels, the seat, and my levers.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/fizzaly/DSC00489.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/fizzaly/DSC00428.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/fizzaly/2010-11-09215830.jpg

This is a confusing post. You bought a Surly Cross Check, but you are opposed to the stickers? OK, take 'em off -- it's your bike, who's stopping you? And yet, you have not removed them -- but you are encouraging others to do so. But you did take them off of the racks.

What is your point? The Surly Cross Check is a nice bike, with or without stickers. It will last a very long time. Compared to a motor vehicle, it's a bargain. You say you bought it for its quality and reputation. Cool. But the STICKERS ruin that for you? Really?

I don't think that the decals on the bike encourage spending beyond one's means. Do you think that you did spend beyond your means and that removing the stickers will somehow remedy that?

I do have two old Raleighs. One I will probably powder coat. Husband is horrified, says I can't do it without getting a new sticker set for it. I say that I can; it's my damn bike. And I totally bought them for their quality and reputation, and they were dirt cheap. I will also probably buy a Retrovelo -- for its quality and reputation, and the fact that it is EXACTLY the bicycle that I want. And the decals don't bother me and neither does the price. I don't buy cars. This bicycle will probably be with me for at least 20 years. A $2K car? Not a chance in hell. That is definitely not consumerist or spending beyond my means.

Sorry I confused you.

Yea, I removed the stickers from the racks cos I always thought it looked kind of tacky to have 14 Surly stickers on my bike and then I was just looking for some encouragement to go ahead with the rest of the stickers. I'm not telling everyone to go and remove any brand stickers from their bikes right away, just looking for opinions on the topic.

I think it would help ward off thieves. Someone made a good point about stolen bikes being crimes of opportunity, but sometimes I have to leave my bike in remote corner of campus after it gets dark and I worry that given enough time, a determined thief could break the lock.

The stickers don't ruin its quality and reputation for me, but they do remind me that I kind of splurged on it, seeing as its my only bike and I sold my car and spent a good chunk of my student loans on it. I feel like I need to take extra care of it. I'm not saying that the decals encourage people to spend beyond their means, but people have toured and commuted for years on lesser bikes, P'sOS to be blunt.

I got a Surly LHT about two years ago, and removed the decals within a month or two. I'm glad I did: the bike looks a whole lot classier without the gaudy lettering all over the frame. Like you, I'm happy that Surly went with mere decals; an hour or two with a heat gun, a dilute solution of acetone, and a credit card were all it took to remove pretty much everything from the frame.

As for the scratches and other dings, that comes with riding a bike on a regular basis. In my experience, these most often occur on very crowded bike racks in front of pubs and stores, or on ferries. I actually get kind of irritated when I notice that all of the scratches on my bike were put there by other cyclists.

Haha, that's funny about the scratches from other cyclists. I know I knicked one of the stickers myself but I didn't mind that much cos I did it, but when I took it to the LBS and they did, oh man...I coulda had a cow over it. ONLY I can ding my bike.

Stickers? You're talking about stickers?

Geez, I hate to think what effect a big billboard has on you.

Take your stickers off or leave em on, who cares. Either way, calm down a little.

I like billboards, but only if they're funny and make me laugh!
I try to watch less t.v. but if commercials come on, I just mute it. Have you ever noticed that commercials are several decibels louder than the actual program? I mean, significantly louder.

I remove the decals on every bike i have, ive never liked the cluttered look that most bikes have. Theres nothing like the clean lines of a simply painted bike. These are just three of my bikes but every one is the same no decals. theres only three parts on my kuwie that have brand names still on them the wheels, the seat, and my levers.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/fizzaly/DSC00489.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/fizzaly/DSC00428.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j210/fizzaly/2010-11-09215830.jpg

Looking good, what do you think of bikes that have all kinds of personalized stickers from various LBS's and what not, the kind that say "Meat is Murder" or "Eat More Chikin!"(two internetz for whoever guesses where this is from), "You'd look sexier on a bike," "Don't steal me."? Band stickers, political stickers, funny stickers, etc.

Anyone have bikes which have been bumperstickerfied? Yes, I'm making up words.

The stickers don't ruin its quality and reputation for me, but they do remind me that I kind of splurged on it, seeing as its my only bike and I sold my car and spent a good chunk of my student loans on it. I feel like I need to take extra care of it. I'm not saying that the decals encourage people to spend beyond their means, but people have toured and commuted for years on lesser bikes, P'sOS to be blunt.

So enjoy the bike. Remove the stickers if you don't like 'em. If you did spend beyond your means, sell it and buy something you can afford, or cut back on something else to make up for it. If you did not, you're seriously going to let some DECALS make you feel bad? The bicycle will serve you well for a long time and it's yours. Do with it what you want.

I think it would help ward off thieves. Someone made a good point about stolen bikes being crimes of opportunity, but sometimes I have to leave my bike in remote corner of campus after it gets dark and I worry that given enough time, a determined thief could break the lock.


Questionable. As long as your bike still looks decent it will have resale value (if someone is going to pay $20 for your stolen bike they aren't going to care about stickers...). You can spray paint it and make it look ugly, but then the thief can just steal a wheel or two, or anything else that is or is not bolted on to your bike...

And that's not even considering vandalism.

Looking good, what do you think of bikes that have all kinds of personalized stickers from various LBS's and what not, the kind that say "Meat is Murder" or "Eat More Chikin!"(two internetz for whoever guesses where this is from), "You'd look sexier on a bike," "Don't steal me."? Band stickers, political stickers, funny stickers, etc.

Anyone have bikes which have been bumperstickerfied? Yes, I'm making up words.
Well on the head tube of every one of my bikes i put a transformer decal on thats all i really care for. I just prefer simple looking bikes, it really doesn't have anything to do with branding, but most of my bikes are made up of used parts that generally are not in the best shape when i get them, so i just do a little sanding and apply what ever color i choose to them. In the long run it just boils down to preference.

I go that route when the stickers aren't under a clear coat.

Like on this Specialized Hard Rock I'm commuterizing for a friend going to the local university. All the stickers were cracked and peeling anyway, so a heat gun, credit card and rubbing alcohol finished the job.

(This is the work in progress shot, need the girl to come over so we can fit the bike to her before I finish it up.)

177757

YAY another drop bar MTB in boise :)

Ha! Yep! Her request too. :) I had a straight bar on there - showed her the pic.

"I like it! Sometime though I want to get those rams horn bars installed, they are better for my wrists."

He he he.

Looking good, what do you think of bikes that have all kinds of personalized stickers from various LBS's and what not, the kind that say "Meat is Murder" or "Eat More Chikin!"(two internetz for whoever guesses where this is from), "You'd look sexier on a bike," "Don't steal me."? Band stickers, political stickers, funny stickers, etc.

Anyone have bikes which have been bumperstickerfied? Yes, I'm making up words.
My plan was to bumperstickerify any scratches/dings on my Kona Dew. However the factory paint job on it is so terrible that if you look at it the wrong way the paint chips off. Anyway I decided to not tackify it with stickers and just put on one:
Every bad thing I do on my bike I learned from cars.

My plan was to bumperstickerify any scratches/dings on my Kona Dew. However the factory paint job on it is so terrible that if you look at it the wrong way the paint chips off. Anyway I decided to not tackify it with stickers and just put on one:
Every bad thing I do on my bike I learned from cars.

Why don't you save a little money and take advantage of this fortuitous paint job problem by getting a custom powder coat paint job. You could pick your favorite color.

Questionable. As long as your bike still looks decent it will have resale value (if someone is going to pay $20 for your stolen bike they aren't going to care about stickers...). You can spray paint it and make it look ugly, but then the thief can just steal a wheel or two, or anything else that is or is not bolted on to your bike...

And that's not even considering vandalism.

Nice, new bikes do get stolen.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?694474-My-bike-got-stolen-(-Any-touring-bike-recommendations

Although I tend to avoid products (especially clothing) with corporate logos and names emblazoned on them, my primary commute bike does have stickers on it which I will leave. It is a custom built frame, and carries the name of the artist who built it. In a sense, it is as much his bike as it is mine, and I believe that he should be entitled to 'tag' it. I just ride it :).

Although I tend to avoid products (especially clothing) with corporate logos and names emblazoned on them, my primary commute bike does have stickers on it which I will leave. It is a custom built frame, and carries the name of the artist who built it. In a sense, it is as much his bike as it is mine, and I believe that he should be entitled to 'tag' it. I just ride it :).

I feel the same way about some clothing brands that want you be a walking billboard. And you know what are some horrible shoes that move units only because of the brand and its old school appeal? Converse chucks! What uncomfortable, overly priced shoes.

Your bike sounds awesome. I'd do the same if I had a custom built frame or paint job.

My bikes range from being a virtual rolling billboard to graphics-free. I don't buy bikes because of the graphics or lack thereof. When graphics are present, it certainly isn't worth the trouble of taking then off. Likewise I don't seek out branding and labels with clothing, nor do I shun it. I have a long-sleeve jersey that is loaded with advertisements. I bought the jersey because it was well-made, warm, and comfortable. I could care less what it says as long as it is not offensive to the people around me.

My bikes range from being a virtual rolling billboard to graphics-free. I don't buy bikes because of the graphics or lack thereof. When graphics are present, it certainly isn't worth the trouble of taking then off. Likewise I don't seek out branding and labels with clothing, nor do I shun it. I have a long-sleeve jersey that is loaded with advertisements. I bought the jersey because it was well-made, warm, and comfortable. I could care less what it says as long as it is not offensive to the people around me.

I tend to view "offensive to the people around me" as a plus. ;)

I tend to view "offensive to the people around me" as a plus. ;)

I like your style!

What do you think? Have you taken the decals off your new bikes?
The decals on my Pinarello came off on their own, of course.

Do you have a second hand bike that you love because of its imperfections?
Several.

My bikes range from being a virtual rolling billboard to graphics-free. I don't buy bikes because of the graphics or lack thereof. When graphics are present, it certainly isn't worth the trouble of taking then off. Likewise I don't seek out branding and labels with clothing, nor do I shun it. I have a long-sleeve jersey that is loaded with advertisements. I bought the jersey because it was well-made, warm, and comfortable. I could care less what it says as long as it is not offensive to the people around me.

I am offended by corporate logos so buy a different shirt! I am also offended by alfalfa, the color beige, and the song Free Bird. You have been warned.

:P

FYI, if you want to take off Surly decals. I used duct tape and every last one of them came off super clean and easy. It's almost as if Surly wants you to remove them... The decal near the headset actually just fell off one day while I was riding in the rain.

Korean riding is chill but the drivers are not. Its also very hilly here so it has its ups and downs. Get it?

When it comes to your head-tube, you could always just do something creative: http://www.etsy.com/listing/33586942/mustache-on-yer-bike

That's a cool idea. Not the mustache so much, but making a little copper head badge. You can buy a small sheet of copper at a craft or jeweler supply store. Copper cuts easily with a small coping saw and you can smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. I would attach it with decorative copper wire and a drop of solder or epoxy glue. You could either polish it or let it develop that cool green patina.


http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.99375417.jpg

Thought I'd drop into 'car-free' just to see what it was like. Not unpredictably, lots of lefties who hate 'corporations', blah, blah, yawn... Cycling will never become a mainstream mode of travel in our cities until it gets beyond being a left-wing cause and simply a way to get around. By the way, even in communist China the Golden Pigeon factory was allowed to put its (oh, the horror) logo on its bikes.