smd4

In my other hobby, steam locomotive operation, "nomenclature" refers to any of the various markings found on a locomotive. My apologies for mixing hobby terminologies, and assuming people would understand and focus their energies on the substance of the post, rather than the title. My bad.

noimagination

"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.

Troul 

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.

smd4

To me, much of the lettering is part of the aesthetics.

burnthesheep

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.

Trakhak

Neither is "decalcomania," though I wish it were.

prj71

And you enjoy this stuff why?

Are you riding your bike or just staring at it?

Ogsarg

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.

noimagination

One can do both (though, preferably, not at the same time).

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.

prj71

Maybe the OP should try NASCAR if he likes branding on his stuff.

Weird.

gringomojado

Do you wear them on their correct days?

gm

smd4

I think it's cool.

Both. Is this a problem for you? If so...weird.

smd4

If you're so worked up over this topic, I suggest you avoid it, and stop contributing to it. Go out and ride your unbranded bike!

prj71

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!!!!

smd4

I would look at the logo, but I'm distracted by all the reflectors.

cxwrench

As others have said 'branding' is the most correct term. I like it myself.

smd4

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."

prj71

Ha!!! That was first ride on the bike when I bought it new. They are all gone now.

cxwrench

Hmmm...all of that stuff does make finding the right term or description a little more difficult.

prj71

Specifications on air pressure, chainring size, directional arrows on tires, stem size and angle etc. Useful stuff. Anything else is just fluff. I don't think most people care that 105 or Dura Ace is stamped on the components. It's nice that it's there so a person can identify what components they have, but there's no reason to adore it.

smd4

Oddly, you keep using the word "adore."

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.

tomato coupe

More of a “best if used by” date, actually.

genejockey 

I don't know about you, but I do both. Sometimes, in the garage, I'll just stand back and admire a bike.

Regarding badging/branding, I neither hide it nor flaunt it. It's just there.

indyfabz

I ended up taking 3 pairs of briefs on my just-completed tour instead of the usual 2. They are all beyond their freshness date.

prj71

Hmmmm... I wonder why?