Anyone recommend chainstay protectors??

SD Velo Boy

Hi Guys,

After a year of scraping and scrounging around for new bike bits, I've finally completed my first bike build...with an Argon 18 gallium, Ultegra SL Groupo, Mavic Ksyeriums and FSA K Force kit. Really really happy with it, apart from one minute detail...but it's enough to annoy the hell out of me.

I had put a Token Carbon Chainstay protector on.....but due to the shape of the chainstay (it is not straight and a fairly sharp edge on the back) and maybe the cold (??) the protector has gradually peeled away.

What do you guys use? Any recommendations? It doesn't necessarily need to be carbon....a clear protector would be fine.

Appreciate your help

Mike

EKIMIKE

I personally use one of those Lizard Skins material ones. It looks a bit ugly but it's a real problem on my bike, maybe because of the bike but the roads round here really don't help. Tape or the like just wouldn't last.

I've heard that 'Helicopter tape' does the job very well. Not too sure what this stuff is though.

Mike

Scrumple

its the stuff they put on heli blades....

buy a roll (3m make it). You can buy it in bike shops at a huge premium, repackaged.

Scrumple

http://www.cyclesense.co.uk/products.ph ... 4020&rs=gb

for example.

AndyD2574

Either use bar tape.....I use this on my MTB and got a colour to match the frame or go to Halfords of all places and buy their brand of clear stick on protector.

Use this on my road bike and no problems

Slow Downcp

Clear Fablon from B&Q - a fiver or so for a big roll, cut protector to size/shape, and also good for cable rub patches. Make sure the frame is clean first though (and thimble of vodka or similar works wel for cleaning, and cheaper than some degreasers :shock:

SD Velo Boy

thanks for the suggestions guys. have ordered myself some Helicopter tape for starters....fingers crossed it's the business !!

Cheers

ajb72

sorry I missed this earlier before you bought the heli tape.

I use a few layers of electricians tape, in the same colour as the frame (luckily black in my case). It's dirt cheep to buy, sticks well and removes without leaving a residue. After 3 months of winter riding I haven't had to replace it yet.

dennisn

FWIW I have never used one. Not sure why I would. To me they are simply a cure to a problem that doesn't exist.

Scrumple

heli tape wipes the floor with anything else as it is bombproof... ish!

The roll will give you room to cut and use cable patches, and maybe the underside of tubes etc.

Anonymous

I had Heli tape fitted to my mountain bike on the down tube, chain stay, seat post and crank arms. It is very good at protecting your bike, it can take some serious knocks and your bike will remain intact.

Only problem I had with it was because it had to be applied and removed with heat like a hair dryer. On a hot summers day I locked my bike outside a local cafe, on return to my bike half an hour later some of the tape had come off at the corners, I couldn't get it to re-stick, and then when I got home I found it an absolute nightmare to take off, and around my bottom bracket the tape took some paint off. Won't be using it for my carbon bike that's for sure.

Bit of a hijack but what can I use to repair chips to lacquer should I get any on a carbon frame? Is there any proper stuff or just use clear nail varnish?

Edit: Nevermind found the product for chips on carbon frame. Is mentioned in this months Cycling Plus: Testors Clear Lacquer