Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Top Tube Protection Question

Question: Is cork handlebar tape on your bars enough 'padding' against the ubiquitous handlebar dings on the top tube?

It should be fine. It's unlikely that aluminium bars would do much more than damage the paintwork, but bare steel bars can put a ding in the tube if they hit it hard. You can also put a bit of handlebar tape on the top tube where the bars hit if you are riding the track and don't want to wrap the whole bar.

hisoft, you're not from the band hi-soft are you? or is that just a reference to the japanese candy?

what are other options aside from tape and kashimax? does anyone else make a top tube protector. i seem to remember seeing one that is black and yellow.

dolface made one out of clear pvc.

I wrapped electrical tape around a section of old innertube. Maybe not the most aesthetic solution, but it works. I'm planning on switching it to shellaced twine around the innertube when I have a few hours to twiddle with it, which should look much nicer.

obligatory pr0n:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/tech/features/nahmbs062/Vanilla_top_tube_protector.jpg

Thanks for the input guys. Killsurfcity, I'm surprised you know it, but yes, 'hisoft' is in reference to the Japanese caramel candy :) haha

i used an old innertube

Paging Efarrar - get a photo of your custom made tt protector in here

I'd be careful of inner tubes, especially butyl ones. They contain enough sulfur that you'll get a dark stain on your paint under the protector if you leave one in place for a while. Plus, you don't want perspiration to get on the tubing under the protector and start some rust. For homemade protectors, I get some colored plastic 3M tape and put a layer on the tube first, just slightly wider than the final protector will be. Then I build up a pad. I prefer PVC (Tygon) tubing, but the rubber elastic strips that physical therapists use can be folded up to make nice ones as well. I find a handlebar goes right through handlebar tape.

The Kashimax protectors are pricey, but they work the best of anything out there by far. For starters, the vinyl they're made of is just the right stuff to absorb a pretty good whack. And then if you hit it hard, especially with steel bars, the stiff metal spring inside distributes the blow and prevents a dent. You can also take it off in a second, clean off the top tube to remove any salt, and replace it.

I've gotten some 2mm wall thickness stainless tubing in an inside diameter to fit the top tube and tried out my own top tube protectors a la the Vanilla one above. The problem is that you need to move the protector when you change bar position, stem length, stem height, model of bars, etc. etc., so you can't fasten it permanently in place.

the reload frame pad. protects the tubes, the paint, the nuts, and turns your TT into a couch when you stop to talk to someone on the sidewalk.


my $0.02.

the reload frame pad. protects the tubes, the paint, the nuts, and turns your TT into a couch when you stop to talk to someone on the sidewalk.


my $0.02.

That is my thougths of the BMX top tube pad I'm using. My LBS had a big box of old school BMX pads and padsets sitting there. Couldn't resist the checkered California Lite pad.

Bump

Does anyone know where to get something like this?

something like the metal tt protector zachs pictures with the v etc.

nice

something like the metal tt protector zachs pictures with the v etc.

nice

That's a Vanilla.

I doubt you can just buy the metal piece.

You might be able to find a different type though.

you could copy this guy: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=488458&highlight=cut&page=28

WOW I think I might just save for a Vanilla Frame. Nice

Georgie, what guy I see too many bikes there

Specific?

WOW I think I might just save for a Vanilla Frame. Nice

"As of December 1st, 2007 the wait for a custom Vanilla is over five years."

That should give you plenty of time to save up.