Originally Posted by
yangmusa
But I will try to get some clear plastic hose from the hardware store that is big enough to cover 1) the main frame tube, 2) the right fork blade, and 3) the handlebar riser. Those were the only places that got scratched last time. Using tough, clear plastic hose will not any significant weight or bulk, and allow baggage handlers to see it's a bike - hence (in theory) they may still treat it a bit more carefully.
That's a good idea. Bike Friday includes some clear vinyl tubing to protect part of the bike's headtube when you ship it in the suitcase. A quick check of Lowes' website shows that they sell 1"x2" clear vinyl tubing; 1x1 vinyl tubing...and a lot of smaller sizes as well.