Bicycle Mechanics - How do I keep my aerobar clamps from scratching my bars?

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Reeses
04-14-12, 12:27 AM
I removed my Profile Design T1+ aero bars from my FSA Wing Pro Compact drops and saw I had some chips in the paint of the drops and would like to know if this is a common problem and how I could prevent more paint from chipping off.

What's the cause?

AEO
04-14-12, 12:57 AM
Your aerobars might have slipped, which caused the dropbar to get gouged.

either that or the paint that's on it is not very strong to begin with.

I don't think there is anything you can do about it, except tighten up the bars to recommended torque so they don't slip.
LarDasse74
04-14-12, 06:01 AM
Perhaps move the end of the handlebar tape to cover the scratches when the aerobars are removed.

BikeWise1
04-14-12, 07:40 AM
If you are concerned with scratches, then don't run a clamp-on bar. Clamping two soft metals together with sufficient force to prevent slippage is going to leave marks in the metals....
dsbrantjr
04-14-12, 08:03 AM
If you are concerned with scratches, then don't run a clamp-on bar. Clamping two soft metals together with sufficient force to prevent slippage is going to leave marks in the metals....

Especially when one of them is covered in (relatively) soft paint. Just put the bars back and you won't see the scratches.
fietsbob
04-14-12, 08:51 AM
Perhaps, have a separate set of Drop-bars onto which you never,
attach the aero bars .
hotbike
04-14-12, 10:00 AM
Nothing you can do about, except maybe keep them clamped so tight that they can't move.

Secondly, most handlebars are unpainted, so this problem never comes up.
Camilo
04-14-12, 01:18 PM
Wouldn't it work to just put a layer of electrician's tape around the bars under the clamps? Maybe that would slip? That's what I do for other stuff I put on my bars , seat tube, stays, etc. But they don't support my weight like aeoro bars would.
DX-MAN
04-14-12, 01:32 PM
That could work, I've done it for other applications; can't hurt to try. Just remember to EASE into full weight-bearing over the next ride or few. Better to find out an issue when you're better balanced and can react.