king-tony

Where could I find something like this to hold race #'s? I googled, but I am not sure what they are called.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/20...ne_SLC01_stays

merlinextraligh

The race will provide you what you need. Inmy experience, USCF races just have the rider pin a number on.

I've done some centuries, and cyclo sportifs that were timed, and they wanted numbers on the bikes, mostly for selling pics. So in that case they want the number on the bike where they want it, and they'll provide the hardware.

So unless you're looking to buy as a race promoter, its not something you're going to need.

eb314

Yeah, they're picky about where the numbers are placed. They review the finishes on camera (a lot of the time) and the guy running the video system doesn't want to have to hunt all over your body/bike for your number. You may get DQ'd for not having your number where they tell you to put it.

bdcheung

The only time I've ever had to put a number on my frame, the promoter had zip ties for attaching the number to the top tube/head tube junction.

Most pro teams' mechanics make their number holder brackets from scratch, tailored to the frame/components they're using. A thin strip of 1/4" or 1/8" sheet metal, a couple holes, and you're done.

waterrockets 

Yeah, I'd make the one in the photo out of an aluminum can, then blow it with some rattle-can paint.

merlinextraligh

Perhaps crimping over the edges, and sanding or filing anything sharp down?

recursive

That might be a custom one-off. I've never seen those for sale anywhere. You could probably make one yourself by bending a small metal band. File the edges though.

waterrockets 

The whole thing would be double thickness, with folded sides and the seam up the middle.

Corners filed a bit

merlinextraligh

Ok, I was just mentally cringing on the though of exposed beer can edges.

bdcheung

You really think a beer can would be stiff enough? I mean, I go pretty fast...

merlinextraligh

Make sure it sideways, and add some dimples to manage the airflow.

waterrockets 

I've used coke cans to fabricate parts for recovery systems on water rockets that go over 100 mph. How fast are you?

VosBike

Zipties work pretty damn well. Lot less cool though.

There seems to be no end to the bike engineering that can be done with beer cans.

carpediemracing 

That thing on the pro's bike looks like a rack mounting piece. I'm sure you can find similar pieces of metal in bike shops, hardware stores, etc.

Most big races that require racers to use frame numbers will have acceptable locations - under top tube in front, side of top/down tube, and seat post (last for really small frames).

cdr

Treefox

The only frame numbers I've encountered were stickers. Then they leave goo on the paint.

Snuffleupagus

Indeed.

digitoast

The numbers are called race plates. Some of the local races in Utah have their own point/tracking system for the entire season if you're a plate holder. The plates do cost money to buy, but discount your entry fees at the weekly crits.

merlinextraligh

C'dale even makes frames out of them.

Second Mouse

Were you out at RMR on Saturday, digitoast?

ElJamoquio

Beer comes in bottles, thank you very much.

michaelmc

FYI, the number holder from Nydam's bike in the OP is actually carbon fiber, not metal.

see this photo

waterrockets 

Interesting. I can't figure out what that thing used to be. Maybe it's a custom job, but it was trimmed up pretty roughly. I'll bet my AL one would be lighter

king-tony

Sorry, should have been clearer. Seems like there is more of a move to do this and the zip tie method, while simple and affective, scratches the crap of of seatposts. While this is OCP of me, I really don't care because CF seatposts are not cheap and I like to take care of my bike. Also, our club is going to promote a couple of crits this year and if there is an inexpensive way to get something like this, I thought it would be a nice touch.

VosBike

I'm a college student who takes his homebrewed beers to competitions. You have to learn to appreciate the whole spectrum. Except Beer 30.

waterrockets 

Another option would be to make a flat fin out of a chunk of milk jug and run your seat binder bolt through it. It will want to pivot up and down, but you can drill the bolt hole such that it's resting against your seat tube when bolted. Then you can just zip-tie or bolt the number to the fin.

Hey, maybe you could just put the seat binder bolt through the fin?

Actually, you might be able to make a holder similar to the OP photo using the handle of a milk jug. Just split the top of it, and it can sandwich the number plate.

Good luck painting milk jug plastic though Maybe find another liquid from the auto parts store or home depot, that's made of black plastic, and pour that stuff into a milk jug so you can use the black...