Taping top tube to stop scratches

[andrew_s]

Slit a punctured inner tube lengthways, and use it to bandage the top tube, handlebar tape fashion. Finish off with a zip tie.
I did most of my bike like that one year for a flight, and it stayed put for the tour, the return flight and about a year after before I took it off. It's thin enough to go below the cables.

 

[Albert]

Go to a sign maker who does logos etc, on cars. Ask for a length of clear vinyl - easy to cut, easy to apply and all but invisible. It'll cost you a fiver for enough stuff to protect a dozen bikes. Looking after things is worthwhile. I recently traded in a 2 year old £1000 bike that had 2500 miles on it, but not a single scratch, and got £600 against another £1000 bike. The buying dealer just sold it for £700 within a week.

 

[RedRider]

Won't the tape start to look tatty?

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

I recommend tape.