Yay or Nay? Decals on bike frame.
 

So the time is getting near that my bike will be done. The frame is being built up right now. I still have time to let the LBS know if I should have the factory decals put on or not.

The bike might be a target for those who know what it is. But the decals are so plain that it doesn't really make the bike look tacky. Not sure if I should have it "labled" or not.

Well, provided you take precautions (NY-style bike lock et al) I don't see what harm it can do. Then again, I am more partial to the "clean" look of no or very few decals.

Good gracious, I forgot to include a pic of the bike!

http://www.ltmracing.com/productos/m...oots_large.jpg

Yeah that's what I was sorta thinking, Raiyn. But I figure the decals were so plain..........

Good thought though! Thanks for your input. :)

decals all the way...I say

SBW, you could always "split the difference" and opt for decals on the stem and seatpost only if you select Moots titanium for both of those components. The only way decals will truly remain on the bike for any length of time is if you have the frame clearcoated. Unprotected, the decals will eventually chip and/or pull off.

The only thing Moots is the frame. After spending my savings on it, I had to go way low in the component groupo.

I don't even think the frame is clearcoated, is it?

Yes. That is true. I might call him tomorrow.

He means after the stickers are put on.
I wasn't trying to scare you, but if I had a choice, (that didn't involve repainting or scratching them off) I wouldn't want them.

Ah okay got it. I'm a little tired. My eyes are zoning.

But yes, I'm considering having them leave it off. The only tell tale sign would be the head badge and maybe the drop outs. Moots has strange drop outs.

Theft risk isn't going to change, as that bike is very obviously gorgeous regardless.

Are you nuts? I would *LOVE* to have the opportunity to refuse being a riding billboard.

For my personal taste, I would almost always opt to avoid brand name decals... I did buy a set of decals for my 1955 Schwinn, but as long as I know what a bike is, I don't need the equivalent of clothing tags showing on my bike.

Now, if you christen your bike with a specific name THAT is a decal I would put on... Or maybe a favorite short saying, or a charity, or a bikeforums.net URL...

I used to know a guy who covered his Litespeed with decals. Mostly bikini wearing anime chick decals, but it looked cool.

As for factory decals, why on earth would you do that? Better to do your own.

IMO- decal-less looks better

The opportunity to have a decal-less bike is one of the many charming things about my current build I'm working. No logo.

That being said, I'm pondering going to this site and having perhaps a custom decal MADE for the frame. I just need to figure out what to have it say...

Perhaps simply "Banzai".

Decals are for noobs. If you're going to put decals, do something novel or unique. Maybe put your name in the top tube or something.

Nay to decals.

Go with just the "vamoots" one.

+1. Come up with a cool name or saying and go to a local sign shop. They can make vinyl decals in any color or font you want. I found a shop near me that did two bikes for around $20.

I was thinking the same thing. I went very low key with the decals when I had my Serotta repainted recently. Serotta on the downtube only, S's on the headtube and one centered on the seat tube. With your Moots, I'd go with something even more low key or completely blank.

Yeah, unfortunately my Crosscheck's labels aren't clearcoated and now they're peeling off and it looks TERRIBLE!! I'm going to take a few hours here soon and peel the rest off, but it's not the easiest process (I've tried a little already). So, unless you'll be riding only when it's nice out (water seems to cause the Surly decals to bubble a little) and planning to never ever bump it against anything, and if you REALLY LOVE the Moots decals, then go for it. Otherwise, I'd also totally vote no.

Hmmmm...How about a simple decal of a pink lilly like in your avatar. Seriously.