decals

I managed to do it to my 1999 Trek 5200 US Postal.... I found the key to be PATIENCE. The decals on my 5200 were not only large but also covered with clear coat; however, I carefully used my fingernail to start at a pointy part of the decal and slowly peeled the decal at the seam (the edge where the decal meets the frame). As I pulled the decal, I was careful to bend it back on itself. If I got frustrated or the least bit impatient, I stopped. After a couple of hours, I had them all off. I think the frame looks great!!!! Not to mention, it turns more heads in the 'nude' than it did before - people seem to think that they know what I am riding but without the decals they aren't too sure and do a double take. I peeled them about a year ago and have not had any issue with paint or clear coat flaking or peeling....

All the best!

Thanks for your response.
That is the way I have been doing it. You are right. It takes some patience. I also use some warm soapy water. That helps a bit. I was wondering if there was a faster, more efficient way.
And you are right about how the bike looks without the decals. It is the same issue with race cars, with all of that advertising: the machine "disappears" with all of those distractions.
Thanks again for your response.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by cliclista
Thanks for your response.
That is the way I have been doing it. You are right. It takes some patience. I also use some warm soapy water. That helps a bit. I was wondering if there was a faster, more efficient way.
And you are right about how the bike looks without the decals. It is the same issue with race cars, with all of that advertising: the machine "disappears" with all of those distractions.
Thanks again for your response.

Try using a hair dryer. This has worked for me on my road bike and dirt bike...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by rottieruff
Try using a hair dryer. This has worked for me on my road bike and dirt bike...

YUP! Hair Dryers melt the glue and take them off easily. Just let it blow hot air over the decal for a min or so and peal 😄

I was told that if you took the decals off your bike that this would void the lifetime frame warranty.

Are you guys actually taking off the manufacturer's name or just extraneous stuff?

Just the added on decals. The ones that come with the bike are very difficult to remove because the "glaze" is put over them 😄

I believe we are talking about the decals that are added on your own.

A little Methel Ethel Keytone or MEK will do wonders, but if the paint is not good quality it will take that off as well. MEK melts plastic rather quickly so be careful. Try some on the bottom of the bottom bracket where it can't be seen and than go from there. Good luck.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Saucy
I was told that if you took the decals off your bike that this would void the lifetime frame warranty.

Are you guys actually taking off the manufacturer's name or just extraneous stuff?

I just finished taking everything off! It looks AWESOME! I did it by getting a fingernail under a corner of a decal already coming off, and I patiently pulled it off. It left some bits of glue on the fram, but they come off by rubbing a wet cloth (warm soapy water).

In regards to the warranty, well, this can be considered an alteration to the bike, but is is a cosmetic alteration and not a mechanical alteration. I do know know if manufacturers care if it is cosmetic or mechanical. To them is an alteration. Period. Manufacturers say that the warranty does not apply to damage caused by an alteration. The only damage I can forsee, by removing the decals, is damaged to the paint (no clearcoat in the decal areas), but that is easily preventable by taking good care of your baby.

Oh, did I mention that the bike looks great without the decals? I recommend eveyone to do the same. Like I have said before, it is the same difference as between a race automobile with and one without decals (see the attached image).

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by cliclista
I just finished taking everything off! It looks AWESOME! I did it by getting a fingernail under a corner of a decal already coming off, and I patiently pulled it off. It left some bits of glue on the fram, but they come off by rubbing a wet cloth (warm soapy water).

In regards to the warranty, well, this can be considered an alteration to the bike, but is is a cosmetic alteration and not a mechanical alteration. I do know know if manufacturers care if it is cosmetic or mechanical. To them is an alteration. Period. Manufacturers say that the warranty does not apply to damage caused by an alteration. The only damage I can forsee, by removing the decals, is damaged to the paint (no clearcoat in the decal areas), but that is easily preventable by taking good care of your baby.

Oh, did I mention that the bike looks great without the decals? I recommend eveyone to do the same. Like I have said before, it is the same difference as between a race automobile with and one without decals (see the attached image).

I am sorry. I forgot to attach the image. Here it is.