Originally Posted by Camilo

Be sure to put a layer of tough tape - either clear frame-saver type tape or temporary duct tape - on the frame where the padded bar fits onto the top tube. You'll get abrasion of the bike's paint if you don't. I've put little permanent clear framesaver on the bikes we transport regularly. Virtually invisible. I keep a roll of duct tape in the car for when I carry a friend's bike. Easy on/easy off and no damage to the paint. It's not the pad - if it were just the clean pad touching the bike I doubt there'd be any damage. But any little bit of road dust will get in there and abrade the paint. I live on a very dusty road in a very dusty location so I might have more of a problem than most.