Taping top tube to stop scratches

[Leodis]

Has anyone taped the top tube on their bike? I have a new black bike and its already got one small scratch on it but I park it on a Sheffield stand at work and that causes a fair bit of scratching as it did on my old commuter. Just thought it might be an idea to save the paint work.

 

[Wooliferkins]

Time for some guerilla knitting?

 

[Paul.G.]

Helicopter tape, best one is made by 3M and comes on a roll from Amazon. Its about £15 for a one metre roll but worth every penny. This stuff is clear so wont look unsightly and tougher than old boots, its used to protect leading edge on helicopter blades (hence the name)

 

[Cyclopathic]

I don't entirely understand taping the top bar to protect it's paintwork. Ok, you avoid the odd scratch but then your nice bike looks like it has a top tube finished with tape. Then if you leave the tape on all the time why bother protecting it's looks? I say suffer the odd scratch, then at least your bike looks like it should do and you can always use touch up paint at some point. Maybe a couple of coats of carefully applied clear varnish would add some protection.

 

[Archie_tect]

Too heavy...

 

[Leodis]

The main reason is so I can get more cash for it when I come to sell it, you gotta look after you kit...

 

[Kies]

The main reason is so I can get more cash for it when I come to sell it, you gotta look after you kit...

I get your reasoning, but you can't protect every part of the frame (unless you heli tape all of it), be carefull when you lean it against stuff, and maybe put some tape on your lock?

 

[Leodis]

I get your reasoning, but you can't protect every part of the frame (unless you heli tape all of it), be carefull when you lean it against stuff, and maybe put some tape on your lock?

True.. Bloody sheffield stands are shite for scratching frames.

 

[2Loose]

It is work, so keep a towel there and cover the Sheffield stand when you are using it.

 

[screenman]

Use a cheap old bike for work.

 

[Blue Hills]

Won't the tape start to look tatty?

You'd better put something on top of it to retain its pristine tapiness.

 

[Linford]

Use Fablon

 

[Fab Foodie]

Carry a bit of foam pipe-lagging for your top tube .....

 

[themosquitoking]

Heatshrink?

 

[Kies]

Carry a bit of foam pipe-lagging for your top tube .....

I use lagging for all my bikes at home. Then D locks go over them