What's the best material to hide TREK name?

[Theresse]

Duct tape? Electrical? Handlebar tape? Is there actually something on the market meant for this purpose? Doubt it - but it can't hurt to ask!

It's a white 2012 Trek FX 7.5 men's bike that has the name Trek written in bold letters and not only am I making the bike look more feminine but I also just don't love brand names being displayed for all to see (unless it's one I'm more proud of, you know? Or unless they're going to pay me to advertise for them!). Nothing wrong with Trek - just don't feel like having it scream at me each time I look at it.

Thanks!

[Kiwi Stoker]

Pros who have to cover their frames at events because of sponsor clash use electrical tape. However most of the time it's because they want to be able to remove it without damaging the paint and graphic work.

Suggestion 1- Go to a signwriters and get some vinyl to cover up what you don't want. Maybe even rename it, put some graphics you would want.

Suggestion 2- (the expensive option). Get the frame stripped and repainted with whatever colour you want.

[Theresse]

Kiwi - thanks! I don't understand what you mean by signwriters though? Vinyl as opposed to tape?

[Kiwi Stoker]

I mean companies that do vinyl graphics for outdoor signs or on cars. You can buy sticky vinyl sheets that are designed to withstand water etc. You can either just buy coloured sheets and wrap the frame yourself or you can get them to design something new for your bike to stick on it.

3M is porbably the best brand however could be a bit pricey.

[Theresse]

Thanks very much!

[radacrider]

Not familiar with the Trek, how is the name applied to the frame? I know on some bikes you can use heat to remove a decal, then some mild clean up with Goo Gone. Presumes, of course, there is not a clear paint coat over the decal.

[Trek420]

Or you could add to it. Use decal lettering so instead of Trek it says Shrek or Freak or ...

[Owlie]

Not familiar with the Trek, how is the name applied to the frame? I know on some bikes you can use heat to remove a decal, then some mild clean up with Goo Gone. Presumes, of course, there is not a clear paint coat over the decal.

I know Giant clear-coats over the decals. I imagine Trek does the same.

OP, your best bet is probably the vinyl graphics. There's an LBS in my area that actually specializes in this stuff. I wonder if there's something similar where you are?

[Maye]

Or you could add to it. Use decal lettering so instead of Trek it says Shrek or Freak or ...

Hee hee! Too funny!

[radacrider]

Yep, no removing the decals : "We now utilize a process using thin, paint-like decals called wetslides which require a special solution for application. A clear coat is then applied to protect the decal."

Guess it is custom vinyls.

[OakLeaf]

Or you could add to it. Use decal lettering so instead of Trek it says Shrek or Freak or ...

I'd love to see more of that stuff on bikes! It got so tiresome with Toyota truck tailgates.

I used to have a Shoei moto helmet (well, I still do, but this particular one) - when the "O" started to come off, I decided to just peel off the "I" as well. Not that there's much doubt, from my size, that I'm a "SH E" even with all my gear on, but I liked it.

[Trek420]

I'd love to see more of that stuff on bikes! It got so tiresome with Toyota truck tailgates.

Back in the day we had friends with a Rambler station wagon (remember those? ) that said "M A R B L E" on the back.

[maryellen]

In NYC we have a technique called "ugly-fying" your bike (to make it less appealing to thieves): apply duct tape around the frame (similar to how you would apply handlebar tape). You're probably hoping to avoid that level of ugly though.

[breeze]

What about reflective stickers, like these?