With how many Ipod failures I've had, I can understand why. If those things last a year, you're lucky. I bought the extended 2 year warranty and have replaced four of them in that time period. I haven't had a Mac desk top since my editing days in college, but a few of my friends swear by them. Say what you want about VO and Riv, but if their products failed like that, there would be recalls.

I am no Apple fanboy, but my Ipod Nano is about 3 years old now and works fine every day.

I am sitting here reading this Mac bashing, and I just have to laugh. I am 11 miles into the BWCA and I am receiving a strong four bar signal. The iPhone I am using is showing no signs of bursting into flames!

.....more importantly the walleye fishing stinks this morning. :)

The flash drives work fine...the hard drive based Ipods just don't last. 4...in 2 years. The one I had prior to that was replaced 3 times in a 1 year period. I am NOT a Mac basher, but the hard drive based Ipods have major durability issues in my experience.

Got them!

JR is slow on turn around. But the product is fantastic.

JR is always hard to get ahold of, and frankly it's annoying. I emailed him about producing decals (from my artwork) for my Vittorio MAX project, in the next couple weeks, emailed him 2 weeks ago (or so) and have heard nothing.

It's too bad...I was perfectly happy with my Pinarello decals.

About this time next month I will be asking for a refund.

Previous posts in this old thread explain about turn-around . But I've seen his work, and it's worth a wait. If you're in a hurry about restoring anything, don't be .

Velocals - what's up with these guys?
 

I'm not going to try and find the quote, but someone on here posted that when he knows that at the end of a restoration he will need Velocal's decals, he orders them before he starts the project.

If you've never applied a vinyl sticker using a carrier, wet or otherwise, maybe someone with experience should have been allowed to install them? JMHO?,,,,BD

nm

I've ordered from Velocals and had the product in 10 days.
I've ordered from Velocals and had the product in 7 weeks.
YMMV.
In both cases the decals were worth waiting for.

Top

I don't really have anything to add, other than his work is fabulous. He provided the seat tube wrap and reynolds decals for a recent project of mine, and I was knocked out by the quality. The metalflake background in the Trek sticker was amazing. That being said, I was not in a hurry. EDIT: I forgot to include that, about a day before I was planning to install the seat tube wrap, I got an email from JR. warning me not to use it, as a supplier who provides the carrier sheets for his decals sold him a lot that was defective (adhesive was too aggressive, and would destroy decal when pulled off after mounting). JR. sent me replacements at his expense, and paid the shipping as well. The replacement he sent is shown installed below:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/IMG_0847.jpg

I got decals from this same run. JR replaced them without question.

He's not real attentive to his emails, but I've always been able to reach him by phone.

His product is worth waiting for, but I understand the frustrations with delays.
I've referred folks to him on occasion (for a Pinarello, etc) and they've been satisfied.
I've never told anyone he was quick, and have always urged them to call him.

I don't know enough about the production process, from ordering to computer work, to printing, to criticize, so I don't.
I communicate my preferences, pay my money, and simply wait.

He's always met my expectations, and I realize this is not his full-time job.

So does Velocals do custom work?
A couple years ago I bought a Litespeed which says "team issue" on the top tube. The seller told me it was a custom build for a guy on the Colorado Cyclist team around 2002. Since Bikepedia doesn't have anything that looks like it, and I haven't seen the decals on any website, I'm inclined to think this is the case.

I was really giving JR the benefit of the doubt. I actually ordered the decals 1-1/2 months ago. He shipped them on April 30 but the decals never made it.

Well, I ordered a bunch when this thread resurfaced recently. Hopefully they'll arrive eventually; heck, I've got bikes I've been waiting 20 years to finish!

Gary at SSSink.com printed our1980-82 Lotus decals from our artwork and is currently working on our 1983-85 Lotus decals. During my numerous conversations with Gary he mentioned that his company prints/printed many of the Litespeed decals and that many were still available. Perhaps you could contact him and he could help you with your decals or tell you where you could find them. They may even be true ink-transfer decals, not just printed vinyl stickers.

You know what would be cool? If just a small percentage of existing enthusiasts would each take just one make of bicycle under their wing and use Gary's services to print real decals, imagine the quality and variety that would be available. It cost me a few dollars out of my pocket, but our Lotus decals are tru ink transfer decals and a set of seven to restore your vintage Lotus costs $19.95 (shipped free). We currently print 8 models in three colors and are adding another 12 or so models in 2 colors for the 1983-85 bikes. :)

Decals are always a bugger if you don't get them on right - Some time you just have to start from scratch - Vinyl, Water slide, stick on - Every one of them can be HUMBLING!!!

I feel for you Bro.,..

You know, I would expect two weeks or less turnaround on decals he shows on the site. 1 1/2 months or more for custom is completely ridiculous~!,,,,BD

SSSink is wholesale only as they state really clearly on their website. They make it very clear they do not sell retail. In fact they are kind of nasty about it and say to not even try to contact them unless you are a dealer or a pro restoration service.

Now this is handy! http://sssink.com/sssink_2010_015.htm
There is a bike painter near here in Nederland that I did not know about. I might just contact him about bead-blasting the ugly black powder coat off of the Litespeed, as well as replacing the decals.

JR did a custom decal for my 70s Motobecane and it turned out well. But it took a long time, during which he didn't respond to emails. I don't know what the magic formula for dealing with him might be. I recommend him if your need isn't urgent; otherwise, have a back-up plan.