Comments on: Tips on protecting your frame

By: Dirtpedaler

Dirtpedaler — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:03:20 +0000

I’m a fan of either cloth handlebar tape or hockeystick tape. Self adhesive, super cheap, and looks really clean.

By: Teamfubar

Teamfubar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:37:10 +0000

Protective film is nice, but why not just go to a place like Staples or Office Max and get yourself a roll of Duck brand or 3M packing tape. (The Duck brand is a bit thicker). It is almost the perfect width for an aluminum frame’s down tube. Plus, you can do about 6 bikes for less than 5 bucks. What is even nicer is if you can get your hands on some is mat tape. It is the clear tape that wrestlers (real colligiate style) use to tape the 3 pieces of mat together. It is nice and thick and really sticky. It would hold up to some serious abuse.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:21:13 +0000

Bonk! protective film is the bomb. It’s 3M automotive protective film in bike sized shapes and sizes.

Disclaimer: I’m not connected with the company, I just use the product, love it and recommend it.

http://www.bonkprotection.com/

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 05:42:35 +0000

When I bought my first mountain bike in 1988 the shop asked me if I wanted a chainstay protector like Aaron described. A neatly wrapped piece of tube finished with zip ties, and it lasted for years. The tube finally rotted off after a decade of daily use. It’s pretty easy to redo and costs zip, well zip ties.

I’ve also seen bikes where the owner has taken a piece of tube roughly the length of the chainstay, slit it open, and then zip tied that to the chainstay. IMO the prior method ads more protection and looks better. The BOBs of the world can wrap twine and shellac it.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 20:16:35 +0000

I use a scrap of spare tube to protect from chain slap on my mtn bikes. I wrap it really tight like a road handle bar tape and then clamp the ends with zip ties. I highly recommend this trick because its easy and provides a very good cushion for chain and rear der. slap.

I am also concerned about the down tube of carbon frames because of all the little bits that get kicked up by the front wheel. To make myself feel better I lay a thick layer of spongy tape along the bottom. (several layers of electrical tape or a product called helicopter tape if you’re lucky enough to find it) Electrical tape actually works very well for a variety of things. It has a little bit of give to it and the adhesive works well but wont damage anything. So I use it to stop cable rub, cover up ugly manufacturer’s markings (contact paper works great here too), prevent damage from seat bags or strap on pumps, etc.

By: fixedgear

fixedgear — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:34:44 +0000

Spray the inside of steel frames with J.P. Wiegles Frame Saver, or use linseed oil.