Nomenclature
#26
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"Branding" is what I would call it. The name of the manufacturer (for example, "Planet Bike" on your water bottle cage), or the model ("Dura-ace" on your components), or company logos (like the head tube badge).
What's your suggestion? "Nomenclature" is definitely not the correct word, as cxwrench noted.
What's your suggestion? "Nomenclature" is definitely not the correct word, as cxwrench noted.
Last edited by smd4; 06-16-22 at 08:14 AM.
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"Branding", in the marketing/advertising world, originally meant the action of conceptualizing the labeling, product shape, colors, manufacturer/marketer, etc. into a distinctive "brand". So, in that sense, smd4 would be correct in saying that "branding" is not the right term.
However, I've spoken to some graphic artists that report to me (my education/experience is in chemistry, but I've shifted over to QA, and my dept. has been put in charge of ensuring the product labeling meets FDA regulations, so I have a bunch of graphic artists reporting to me, among others), and the meaning has shifted so that "branding", as the term is used now, also includes the totality of the manufacturer name/model name/colors/logos/etc. (in addition to the original meaning).
You could just use "product labeling" to mean everything printed on the bike and its parts. However, the connotation of "labeling" is more utilitarian, and doesn't include the esthetics (colors/fonts/etc.) that I interpret to be part of the OPs post, so I agree that "branding" is the best term.
However, I've spoken to some graphic artists that report to me (my education/experience is in chemistry, but I've shifted over to QA, and my dept. has been put in charge of ensuring the product labeling meets FDA regulations, so I have a bunch of graphic artists reporting to me, among others), and the meaning has shifted so that "branding", as the term is used now, also includes the totality of the manufacturer name/model name/colors/logos/etc. (in addition to the original meaning).
You could just use "product labeling" to mean everything printed on the bike and its parts. However, the connotation of "labeling" is more utilitarian, and doesn't include the esthetics (colors/fonts/etc.) that I interpret to be part of the OPs post, so I agree that "branding" is the best term.
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to represent the bicycle as it came, it's not a thing that I am into. Things wear off, trends fade, life moves on. I often favor the features, aesthetics, comfort, & performance over what/whos' name is plastered on it.
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To me, much of the lettering is part of the aesthetics.
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It's a huge "it depends".
Before modern pedestrian safety requirements, hood ornaments on expensive luxury cars was a big deal. The "ghost d'elegance" appearing out of a motorized housing then disappearing when parked to avoid theft on a Rolls Royce comes to mind.
Something like that, or some vintage gold lettering on otherwise polished metal of a bicycle, yes.
Modern block lettered massive logos, not really my thing. I'd prefer more muted.
Now, "info" with respect to chainring size, cassette cog size, tire size/direction should be a balance of clear enough to be useful but subtle enough to not draw attention.
I prefer, for example, my TT race wheels with blacked out logos as opposed to the training wheelset that has older "white letters on black" obviously sticking out. I'm not good enough with the hair dryer and goo gone to peel them without some error making it uglier than it was.
Before modern pedestrian safety requirements, hood ornaments on expensive luxury cars was a big deal. The "ghost d'elegance" appearing out of a motorized housing then disappearing when parked to avoid theft on a Rolls Royce comes to mind.
Something like that, or some vintage gold lettering on otherwise polished metal of a bicycle, yes.
Modern block lettered massive logos, not really my thing. I'd prefer more muted.
Now, "info" with respect to chainring size, cassette cog size, tire size/direction should be a balance of clear enough to be useful but subtle enough to not draw attention.
I prefer, for example, my TT race wheels with blacked out logos as opposed to the training wheelset that has older "white letters on black" obviously sticking out. I'm not good enough with the hair dryer and goo gone to peel them without some error making it uglier than it was.
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I like lettering on my bike. I like the words “Dura Ace” on all the components; I like “Planet Bike” on my water bottle cages; I like the various Columbus decals. Cinelli in gold on my toe straps. Lettering on the brake and shift cable housing. The various sponsor racing decals. I even enjoy having the small white manufacturing info on my chainring bolts. I dig any information stamped into my parts.
Anyone else enjoy having this visible information?
Anyone else enjoy having this visible information?
Are you riding your bike or just staring at it?
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Brands and Logos all over look tacky to me. I removed the labels on my wheels and wish I could do the same on all the parts. If I was ever to get a custom bike made, it might have one small identifier on the top tube, but no other labeling.
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I agree with smd4, the esthetics is part of riding, for me. I ride for enjoyment, not as a profession, nor for utility, nor as a means to some other end (e.g. lose weight; physical therapy; cross-training for another sport; etc.). If I did, then perhaps the appearance of the bike would not matter. Personally, I enjoy riding a "pretty" bike, and what that means to me is different from what it means to others.
I haven't responded directly to the OP because I'm ambivalent. I have no opinion regarding branding on the bike. I like some, I agree that it can be over done. It's more "I know what I like when I see it" than anything else, and what I like is subject to change.
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My bikes have all sorts of branding and model names printed all over frames and parts. But I don't have an adoration for this silly stuff. I just grab my bike and ride.
My socks have beer and pretzels on them. Is that kewl ? And wouldya look at the BIG TREK LOGO!!!!
My socks have beer and pretzels on them. Is that kewl ? And wouldya look at the BIG TREK LOGO!!!!
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I would look at the logo, but I'm distracted by all the reflectors.
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It's not exclusively branding, though. It could be the marking denoting teeth on a chainwheel, or the markings on a downtube shifter denting the direction to turn the D ring. It could be the pressure markings on a tire. It could be the direction arrows on pulley wheels. It could be the "Open/Close" markings on a quick release. So, technically, "branding" may not be "the most correct term."
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It's not exclusively branding, though. It could be the marking denoting teeth on a chainwheel, or the markings on a downtube shifter denting the direction to turn the D ring. It could be the pressure markings on a tire. It could be the direction arrows on pulley wheels. It could be the "Open/Close" markings on a quick release. So, technically, "branding" may not be "the most correct term."
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It's not exclusively branding, though. It could be the marking denoting teeth on a chainwheel, or the markings on a downtube shifter denting the direction to turn the D ring. It could be the pressure markings on a tire. It could be the direction arrows on pulley wheels. It could be the "Open/Close" markings on a quick release. So, technically, "branding" may not be "the most correct term."
Last edited by prj71; 06-16-22 at 10:04 AM.
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Again, I hate that this topic is so upsetting to you. Perhaps I can interest you in another topic? I'm sure I can start one about ugly Trek bikes that I'm sure you'd find more palatable.
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Regarding badging/branding, I neither hide it nor flaunt it. It's just there.
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Hmmmm... I wonder why?
I like lettering on my bike. I like the words “Dura Ace” on all the components; I like “Planet Bike” on my water bottle cages; I like the various Columbus decals. Cinelli in gold on my toe straps. Lettering on the brake and shift cable housing. The various sponsor racing decals. I even enjoy having the small white manufacturing info on my chainring bolts. I dig any information stamped into my parts.