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    What do you use to protect your bike

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    30 Comments

    1. Lightyearzz on

      Generally I just put a microfiber cloth between my bike and any part of the rack that it makes contact with

    4. toomanyukes on

      I never ride it. It’s never been ridden. I don’t even look it. No, don’t even point at it. Let’s just move away.

      /s

      Serious: I use clear, thick sticky-protectors for the chain stay, where the tops of the water bottles touch the top & seat tube, and on the side of the steer tube where the cables rub, but that’s about it.

      Scuffs & dings are going to happen.

    6. LRCM on

      Your first carbon bike is like your first child–every noise sounds strange, every ding seems concerning, and you worry constantly.

      Over time, you will stop obsessing over every nick or smudge.

      Ride your bike, enjoy your bike, and [if you don’t already] maintain it.

      Bikes are tools meant to be used.

      If you really don’t want any scuffs, many companies make whole bike wraps, but they are a bit of a pain to install.

      Alternatively, you can wrap the “problem areas” with helicopter tape. (3M and other brands make some)

    8. brightfff on

      Ridewrap it. Do the whole frame with a proper fitted or quality generic kit.

      When you go to sell, you can peel it off and it’ll look new. I just sold a hard-ridden Forbidden Druid and when I removed the Ridewrap from four years ago, the frame was largely pristine under it.

    10. Transcended___Walker on

      I don’t buy carbon frame bikes and do little to nothing to protect it… every scratch is just another memory.

    11. uamvar on

      As you have/ will find out, you only need to look at a carbon bike and it will sustain superficial damage. Anyway, once you get more than 3 scrapes you will likely stop caring, and this is as it should be.

    12. Home_Assistantt on

      Harsh language and long drawn out shitty looks.

      Seems to be working.

      My gravel bike has ride wrap and G Technique coating. Road bike has nothing

    13. Glass_Philosopher_81 on

      Thank god you got the first one outta the way.

      Two tips I’ve received for frame procreation.

      1. Touch up chips/scuffs (anything superficial) with nail polish of a matching color.

      2. Put helicopter tape on points that rub, bump, or be hit. Think head tube where cables might rub, bottle mounts, chain stays, or in your case the place where your bike rack grabs it.

      P.S. be extremely careful with clamping your carbon bike anywhere but the seat tube. Like seriously not wise to clamp the top tube. Just learn how to take the wheels off and it’ll stow easily in any car.

      Lastly enjoy the ride and know whatever you do it’ll develop battle scars

    14. Darlo_muay on

      I’ve put some heli tape on my top tube to stop the frame bag rub.
      One ride took off the gloss top coat. Other than, I’ll keep to natch

    17. BIGGUY10001 on

      A pool noodle cut open would also protect the top tube from scrapes. I generally share others’ sentiments in the comments that this is a tool, not a jewel, but I wish I had done something about this specific wear spot.

    19. abercrombezie on

      Keep bags off the frame. Dirt gets in there and does its thing. I nicked the top tube of my new Specialized last year and almost dialed the 911 bike emergency call center. Now I just call it rustic patina.

    20. Kronos_76 on

      I hate scratches. I use ride wrap to protect my bikes. $120 is worth it to protect a $5k frame. Pretty easy to install on your own if you’re patient and somewhat handy.

    24. hookydoo on

      I’ll add: I don’t race, so speed isn’t a concern. None of mine are carbon (except for one with carbon seat stays only). They’re all either aluminum or steel, and they get scratched up. The first few Knicks on my c-dale mtb hurt, but I got over it pretty quick.

    26. Substantial-Fun-48 on

      I use automotive ceramic coating. Fills in the micro scratches on the clear coat quite nicely.

    27. eekz- on

      I put on some paint protection film / 3M this weekend.  Bike is a year old and a bit scuffed already but whatever!

    28. number676766 on

      I spent $200 and 10 hours applying full custom tie wrap for my new Lauf Seigla.

      It’s saving me mentally while I get used to actually riding my first ever expensive bike

    29. Limp_Bookkeeper_5992 on

      For points on the frame where things like a rack or bike bags can run some helicopter tape is essential. Scratches happen, but let a dirty bag rub against your frame for a few hundred km’s and you’ll get serious damage. I’ve used ride wrap kits and I’ve made my own from 3m PPF, both work well if you have the patience.

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