NitroBike

Tired of using safety pins to attach my race number. Does anyone have any suggestions for a spray adhesive that will securely adhere the number and easily wash out later?

Creakyknees

1N7(b)
"...numbers shall be attached securely at least at the four corners with pins..."

kleinboogie

Yeah, still got to use pins but you can do both. All the below are between $10-15. GL

Scotch 77 spray
Racertape
Killer Red Tape

Racer Ex 

I use the Scotch on my TT numbers. It doesn't wash out easy. The tape is iffy depending on heat and humidity.

botto 

i also find it exhausting.

hell, i need recovery days after pinning my numbers.

hammy56

My skinny arms get so tired.

gsteinb

I know one or two guys who use adhesive on their numbers. Their kits looks like crap.

carpediemracing 

You guys knew this was coming.



I tried sticky back numbers for a year, it was really expensive and really stressful making them. Therefore for 2012 they'll be normal.

Monkeyclaw

I use the scotch '77' on the back of my numbers, but I've used the weaker 'general purpose' stuff by Scotch and had the same results. I just happened to buy the 77 before trying the weaker stuff, no real preference. There are two tricks - let the spray pretty much dry before putting it on (e.g. it *barely* sticks to your fingers when touching it); and if there is residue left over, use goo-gone to get rid of it.

As mentioned above, you still need to use pins. The advantage is that the number doesn't flap around and the pins don't rip your jersey. I hate when that happens.

Dfarlow

Tried a few products, and agree, that most cause a royal mess as residue from the numbers just won't come off.

> 3M Super 77 Adhesive - stickiest, won't completely wash out
> Loctite Spray Adhesive - also sticky, but not as bad as 3M
> Elmers Craft Bond Adhesive - washes out completely but less sticky

I opt for the Elmers these days, coupled with pins, just to protect my jerseys.

rkwaki

Dang CDR that's a lot of pins.

I mentioned this before but I am incapable of pinning my own numbers....

GirlAnachronism

Good call--I wasn't a fan of the sticky back numbers. Something about the way the glue would mix with my sweat would make them all heavy and noticeable after a while, and you had to pin them anyways.

Plus number pinning is probably my true strength as a bike racer--I have finally found a use for the skills I developed during all those hours spent pinning/sewing patches to my clothes as a punk kid.

MDcatV

i'm quitting racing because of the stress and exhaustion from pinning on my numbers. c ya.

rkwaki

You bought a car, you're no longer punk

rkwaki

Thanks for all you dedication to the sport, I hope that your new ventures are as rewarding as cycling has been. Stay safe my friend.

botto 

solvents and adhesive residue are so much better than those pesky little holes.

MDcatV

number pinning causes carpal tunnel syndrom and arthritis, plus it's just too hard.

rkwaki

GirlAnachronism

Save your breath I never was one.

Racer Ex 

Another thought: If you take the jersey off it's a lot easier to use pins.

I bury all my saved breaths in a can in the back yard. I used to put them under the mattress but it got smelly. I tried going to the ATM and depositing them in the machine but they wouldn't fit in the envelope.

One day I'm going to dig up all my breaths and go on a breathing bender.

hammy56

dont let them find the empty breath bags.

jwible

So do you need to hold your breath before you save it or do you save it so that you can hold it?
And if you take a bag of breath with you should you put a breath mint in the bag to keep it fresh for when you need it?

Monkeyclaw

I agree, especially when those holes are big enough to require buying a new jersey!

bitingduck

If you rarely wear them without numbers it doesn't really matter. I had skinsuits that I only wore for racing, so the gummy parts were always covered with numbers anyway.

With 3M 77 you can also glue them so there isn't a lot of residue:
1) put a heavy coat on the back of the number and let it dry completely.
2) when you're ready to glue it on, put a light coat and let dry about 30 seconds, so it's just tacky
3) Stick it on.

gsteinb

except for that whole left side / right side thing.