Do people really use shellac or is it varnish? Shellac (made from beetles) is slightly water-soluble. That's why you always used coasters under a cold glass when you placed it on a table with a shellac finish. It would dissolve a ring in the surface if left too long. With luck the ring would go away when it dried again. I can't imagine wanting that u nder my sweaty hands, though maybe people use shellac so it will bet tacky when wet and provide more grip.
Posted by khatfull: While the Newest hasn't yet been ridden, yes, I ride all of them. That's what they're for.
Well of course they get ridden, and I was only slightly kidding. But... don't you reach the other end of the display case really really quick? Can't get much of a workout that way.
My bikes get dirty just riding around the block.