Classic & Vintage - Rim Label etiquette

I just received the set of NOS Mavic Module E clincher rims I ordered a weeks ago. While looking them over and knowing how much I love to polish a question come to mind.

Is there such a thing as label etiquette when it come to leaving a brand name label on a set of rims? As a general rule I hate stick-on labels and they are usually the first thing that gets removed. When I first got my '78 Paramount that has a set of Campagnolo Lambda Strada rims on it, I removed the labels before giving it any thought.

I would not remove any Module E stickers if I could help it. Nor from any vintage Wolber Super Champion, Fiamme, Nisi, Ararya red label, or the like.

I would however remove labels from newly-issued mass-produced rims such as Sun's CR-18's, because they are not period-correct and also tend to be a bit overwhelming. JMHO.

And build the wheels so that the labels are legible from the drive side of the bike.

I usually go by the condition of the labels. If they're in great condition I'll leave them, but if one or both are beat up, I'll usually take them off. Once I was able to take the labels off in one piece, so I stuck them inside the wheel between the rim tape and tube. Because the labels add to the value of the wheel, when I did sell them I took the labels out and re-glued them into place.

I don't mind the manufacturer's labels, even the modern ones. After all, they do verify the make and model. However I do mind and therefore remove stickers put on by stores or shops. I especially mind the stickers with barcodes. To me they are like price tags. They come off even if it takes me an hour of picking to do it.

I would do the same thing as Auchen: Don't remove classic labels, remove modern ones. Additionally, if the classic labels are really bad I try to find replacements. I did this with some Fiamme rims and they look very nice.

I would not remove any classic labels. I've been pretty successful at polishing around the labels. I apply pre-cut masking tape over the top of the labels so they don't covered in black polishing run-off and dab around the edges while I work. Alternatively, it may be possible (I haven't tried it) to remove the label, polish, and then re-glue them to the rim. Some labels are "flakier" than others, so use caution.


And build the wheels so that the labels are legible from the drive side of the bike.

And align the hub logo (if there is one) so it can be seen through the valve hole.

For your own sake, leave them on if you can. back in the 80's I removed the labels from the nice narrow light rims I used to replace what was on my Peugeot, Now I can never be 100% sure what brand/model rims they are, so if I ever have to replace one because of damage, I wouldn't have a clue on how I'll figure out what brand/model to look for.......I really suspect they're some special super narrow and light model Rigidas clincers, but I could never 100% be sure and it kinda bugs me.
One thing you can do is go ahead and peel them off but stick them under the innertube protector tape on the rim, so you can remind yourself once in a while what they are by just taking a peek when you change tires of fix flats.

Chombi

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/789485-Bought-a-wheel-with-the-sticker-orientation-backwards-what-to-do

The epic label thread............:roflmao2:

You're gonna have to get out of the C+V more.:D

This is interesting. What is the history about the orientation of the rim label? Are there documented standards? How did all of this come about, making sure the wheels are laced considering the orientation of the rim label? Inquiring minds would like to know.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/789485-Bought-a-wheel-with-the-sticker-orientation-backwards-what-to-do

The epic label thread............:roflmao2:

You're gonna have to get out of the C+V more.:D
I have built, and consequently re-built, wheels because the label was facing the wrong way. I am much more aware now.

I have no idea when or where the tire, hub, and label orientation ideas originated but some people in BF (at least) take them seriously as a sign of the builder's attention to detail. I've tried to obey them but I'm secretly thinking "hmmph!". The original wheels on my U08 came with the valve hole off by one spoke in the pattern, and our tandem's rear wheel was built that way recently by a shop not so far from here but far enough away that I'm not likely to go by there by accident.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/789485-Bought-a-wheel-with-the-sticker-orientation-backwards-what-to-do

The epic label thread............:roflmao2:

You're gonna have to get out of the C+V more.:D

True dat. I missed that one too. 10 pages. LOL

It's your bike of course, so if you want to remove labels, do as you wish. I've removed labels off mostly modern rims as I deem them aesthetically appalling. As is "www.whatever.com" stuck all over the bike. The rims you have are desirable and well made. As others have stated, you may reduce their value by removing the label on these due to historic value to collectors. I like the idea of placing them onto the inner wall of the rims if you do decide to peel them off.

Rim labels legible from the drive side of the bike. Also when building a wheelset, when done, should be able to read the hub name thru the valve stem hole. The tire info near or centered on the valve stem when putting everything together.

...... The original wheels on my U08 came with the valve hole off by one spoke in the pattern, and our tandem's rear wheel was built that way .....

- And I don't know how many other wheels I've encountered that way. It kinda' drives me nuts, but I don't correct it unless I happen to be rebuilding the wheel anyway.

It's your bike of course, so if you want to remove labels, do as you wish. I've removed labels off mostly modern rims as I deem them aesthetically appalling. As is "www.whatever.com" stuck all over the bike. The rims you have are desirable and well made. As others have stated, you may reduce their value by removing the label on these due to historic value to collectors. I like the idea of placing them onto the inner wall of the rims if you do decide to peel them off.

After reading here I will leave the Mavic labels on. I have always been one to pay a lot of attention to detail. I just regret now that I took the labels off of the Campy wheels. I'll not do that again.

You can remove the labels off modern components, but they may be C or V one day. Some people might even claim "rare" on CR18 rims in the way they currently claim "rare" on UO-8's.

This is interesting. What is the history about the orientation of the rim label?
Are there documented standards? How did all of this come about, making sure the wheels are laced considering
the orientation of the rim label? Inquiring minds would like to know.


The phrase obsessive–compulsive has become part of the English lexicon, and is often
used in an informal or caricatured manner to describe someone who is excessively
meticulous, perfectionistic, absorbed, or otherwise fixated. Although these signs
are present in OCD, a person who exhibits them does not necessarily have OCD, and
may instead have obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), an autism
spectrum disorder, or no clinical condition. Despite the irrational behaviour, OCD is
sometimes associated with above-average intelligence. Its sufferers commonly share
personality traits such as high attention to detail, avoidance of risk, careful planning,
exaggerated sense of responsibility and a tendency to take time in making decisions.
Multiple psychological and biological factors may be involved in causing obsessive–
compulsive syndromes. Standardized rating scales such as Yale–Brown Obsessive
Compulsive Scale can be used to assess the severity of OCD symptoms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive_compulsive_disorder

If you look for FBinNY's posts in that thread, he references some of the
history as I recall it from the 70's up to the present.

Short answer, style and attention to detail are so important in
some personal universes that we get stuff like proper rim label
orientation as a rule of law. This stuff evolves like religious
ritual.......I can hardly wait 'til we start sacrificing roadies by
ripping their still beating hearts out of their chests.:roflmao2:

I'm just happy if I own a bike that has rims good enough for a maker to even take credit for them! Or they are actually both the same maker much less model.

We're still 10 pages behind.

Rim labels legible from the drive side of the bike. Also when building a wheelset, when done, should be able to read the hub name thru the valve stem hole. The tire info near or centered on the valve stem when putting everything together.

Bingo.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive_compulsive_disorder



Buzzkill

True dat. I missed that one too. 10 pages. LOL

It was a truly epic thread atmo. I like a nice wheel and try to get it as it is supposed to be, but I'm not going to go crazy with rebuilding the wheel because the stem doesn't line up or that I forgot to put the label reading the drive side, at least in most cases I won't.

I agree I never remove labels from my rims, unless it is starting to self peel and looks bad. I did take the labels off my Sun CR-18 to make them look older.


If you want to remove the labels you should have bought Suns anyway and saved yourself a few dollars.

Buzzkill


Sure, you say that now. I bet you'll be standing in
the crowd when we start sacrificing roadies, though.:D

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/789485-Bought-a-wheel-with-the-sticker-orientation-backwards-what-to-do
I'm especially tickled by (obviously tongue-in-cheek) comment to the effect that you shouldn't remove a "weight bearing label" ...
What a hoot.
ps My Module 3s, Module Es, and my Super Champion labels are all slowly disappearing from use and cleaning... maybe someone does knockoffs of those too?
pps. I don't really care

I've got to re-think my whole approach now.

I'm especially tickled by (obviously tongue-in-cheek) comment to the effect that you shouldn't remove a "weight bearing label" ...
What a hoot.
ps My Module 3s, Module Es, and my Super Champion labels are all slowly disappearing from use and cleaning... maybe someone does knockoffs of those too?
pps. I don't really care

I think you can find replacements for all three of those labels on eBay. Greg Softley from Australia does them as http://stores.ebay.com/Cyclomondo?_trksid=p4340.l2563

I've bought many decals from him, including Super Champion Competitions and Normandy Luxe Comp hubs and they are spot-on.
-Tom