Any question answered...

I bought these carbon wheels off ebay with the hope of easily removing the logos from the rims, however it seems that they aren't simply vinyl decals that will peel off but are either printed on or perhaps applied using some other method.

Does any know of any way to remove them safely?

If it's not possible does anyone know where you can buy 'blank' wheel stickers?

2 Attachments

Ask @varno

I believe Varno used to advertise that the logo decals were under the rim's clearcoat. Getting them off could be more trouble than its worth

Ride the shit out of em.
Don't crash.
You'll be reet

Any other wheel manufacturers use ALX as a prefix/product code?

Has anyone got experience with working with MDF? Do we have a woodworking thread? I'm building one of these, and am after any advice on how to prepare, cut, drill the MDF and what hardware I should use.

Read this first.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1997/sep/21/antonybarnett.theobserver

What is the difference between the duracell/sony batteries at poundland and the ones sold at supermarkets?

Just wondering if the supermarket ones are worth the higher cost for use in flash lights and bike lights?

Hmmm - I was intending to do all the work outside and with a mask. Am I actually better off using a different material?

Maybe some OSB? http://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Sheet-Materials/OSB/c/1000194

Bear in mind that article is 20 years old and MDF is still being sold, so it could be that it no longer has the same problems that it did in 1997. I don't know anything about MDF though; I would try to find some more modern information if I were you.

I really wouldn't worry about it given the limited amount of contact you're likely to have in a relatively small project in those protected circumstances.

The one you linked to appears to be an MDF main board with pine stand and I suspect the only reason they used MDF for the main section was they couldn't find a sheet of pine the right size without it costing a fortune. You could get decent ply instead if MDF is a worry - some really fancy finishes possible with it, using it for the stand and main section. Typically for the super-fancy finishes you'd either be using lasers or at least a router with a lot of care but I'm sure you could get something decent done with some simple tools.

Check out Home DIY https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/178667

That stuff will be messy and won't finish nicely - if it's actually a busy board you're making then you'd want to be careful about splinters etc. MDF or ply your best bet.

OSB is quite rough and the edges prone to catching/splintering. Even after varnishung it’s a bit sketchy.

Are the internals of SRAM Force/Rival/Apex 10-speed brifters compatible? I have a broken Rival shifter (internal mechanism is broken) and there's a Force shifter on eBay with broken paddles. If I can just swap the paddles from the Rival one to the Force one I'll have a whole working lever.

Thanks - I already have the MDF panel and have a piece of pine too, to act as the feet.

In terms of actually working with it, all I really intend to do is use a mouse sander to take the edge off the top of the MDF, and then drill into the sides for the feet, and drill various holes to attache all the items I've got (light switch, coaster wheel, door knocker etc). My worry was whether the screws would make good contact. I intend to drill pilot holes first.

It should be fine. There can some issues with density of MDF but realistically if you take your time you'll be good. See if you can stick an LED to one of the light switches with a battery on the back for extra points.

https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/best-practices-guide/solid-wood-machining/why-cant-i-screw-mdf

Ha - cheers. That might have to be a later upgrade :-)

what is that thing you are building?

It's what I've been calling an 'activity board', although I like @CYOA's 'busy board' more. Basically something for little kids to play around and interact with. I think that kids see adults using door handles and locks and light switches and want to do the same. I'll build this and he'll be no more interested in it than any of his other toys, and will still be happier playing with the fixtures and fittings around the house...

Think I might have a go at the same (with the same inevitable conclusion that it sits unused while our 10 month old obsesses over the light switches and screams when we don't spend at least 5 minutes letting him flick it on and off).

Just make sure it's well sealed and the kids don't chew on the edges of the MDF.

Is there anywhere in London that replaces bearings in Phil bottom brackets?
Just found an old one I forgot I had.

To the MDF guys, unless your freaking eating bowls of the dust you will be fine.
OSB is shit.
Just keep a bag on your jigsaw it's more messy than dangerous.
Or get wisa. In fact no, MDF is fine.

Send it to Phil.

Yeah, there's a reason it's been in a parts box for a decade.
Replaced it with a Campag or two.
I read that Sideways Cycles Up North can service them.