Chainstay Protector

TarkMalbot

I have only been on one trial on the new rocklobster but the chainstay is chipped already! It seems like a must before I next go out. Anyone tried a few out and can recommend what is best?
I know an inner tube and some tie wraps would do but I am willing to spend a few £££ for something that looks good as well as being functional.

I have looked at the various neoprene options and leather sticky back types. Are the cut to size neoprene with velcro suitable for such skinny steel chainstays? Do the sticky back ones last, peel off, absorb the noise?

Thanks for any suggestions.

dunker

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Lizar ... 000000204/

should fit the steel lobster ok i guess.

TarkMalbot

Unless someone suggests that the Lizard Skins Carbon Leather is a better option I think I will be going for the standard Lizard Skin in black. 8)

alfablue

Why not the red lizard skin? (You have a red 853?). The smallest Lizard Skin one just fits (tightly) the chainstay on the 853 RL.

dunker

won't a coloured one get mucky looking really fast?

alfablue

well, they're washable, but black might save you the bother - depends on how much of a bike tart you are

hoochylala

Go for the Lizzard skin, I've got one and it does the job great - not sure what profile/size chainstay is on the RL, but check size before you buy - I didn't and had to re-order a jumbo size one for my Cube as it has funny shaped chainstay!

Monkeypump

Even the black neoprene ones look grotty once mud dries on 'em...

mugs

Go for the stick on carbon leather job. I got a lizardskin black neoprene one with my bike, and it does the job, but doesn't look particularly great. They do get a bit dog-eared (dirt comes off with a wash in hot water, but the edges curl and get frayed - or at least mine has) and the problem is with the velcro - it's either not wide enough for it to fit tightly in which case it spins around, or it's long enough, but then it's so long that even when tight it affects how it sits, either way it looks a bit jank. Stick ons look much better and they stop grot getting up inside and being ground against the frame. Not sure how long they last though, but I'm sure it'd be a better choice.

nwmlarge

i got one free with mbuk about a month or so back
maybe sweet talk them into sorting you one out

papasmurf.

lizard skin one is good, never washed it though.. or go ghettto and just wrap an old inner tube round and cable tie

ride_whenever

old fashioned fabric bar tape looks ace.

fireballxl5

inner tubes are cheap/free and do a better job than anything commercialy available, put them on neat (cut the tube down to a thinnish strip first) and replace as often as you like. Personnaly I wouldn't bother with anything else.

Sir HC

I've been using velcro for a while now, keeps the noise down. The whole driveside is covered, much quieter than before.

stone-rose

get on ebay and get a sheet of helicopter tape. cheap, effective, very durable and easily replaceable

andy46

i have a red lizard skin and wash it ocasionally with washing up liquid and it comes up as good as new! 8)

TarkMalbot

I needed one today before I went out round Newcastleton this evening so I ended up with a Lizard Skin standard from Scotby cycles. I got the black as it was the only colour they had and I thought black would stay clean longer than the red. Looks good enough to me so I will see how it lasts. :P

One other thing I was thinking was using the grip tape from tennis racket. A little like using an inner tube but would look neater.

snotty badger

You can't go wrong with what you've got mate, I had one for years on my DMR.

The other option is to go single speed, no more chain slap then

paul.skibum

+1 for lizard skin neoprene - used it for 4 years and the same one has been washed countless times and remained effective. my only complaint is that it slips back into cassette over time but just needs pulling forward from time to time.

Otherwise I'd go for racket handle tap or bar tape and failing that inner tube.

snotty badger

OP- guessing you're from Carlisle then? I'm just down the road in smelly Wigton

towno15

i've just used some bar tape does the job

TarkMalbot

snotty badger wrote:

OP- guessing you're from Carlisle then? I'm just down the road in smelly Wigton

Yeah I live in Carlisle. I am originally from Barrow-in-Furness. The Missus works at Wigton and I was at the drag racing at Kirkbride last weekend.