I have a full carbon bike and transport it on a Yakima hitch rack. Well after 1 day on the rack, I saw scratches on the bike from the rack.
So this is my quest to protect my paint from my rack. Granted, my bike will be getting scratched from riding, but I don't want the rack doing that!

I first used some rags to go around the frame before strapping it in. Sorry no pictures of that. Second, I thought I was getting creative and got some Super Jumbo Lizard Skins and put it in the wear spots. Worked, but it was in 5 different pieces. Imaging putting that on, taking off, washing after rides, etc.


Third attempt was using Road Bike Bar Tape. That was pretty cool. Had it on for about a day.


Finally I went with 3m Scotchgard Paint Protection Film. You know the kind they put on hoods of cars to protect paint from road junk. Thought I would share what it looks like. I actually ran along the whole top tube and half the seat post tube.







If you are looking to get some, check out http://www.xpel.com/products/bulk.asp. I did not order direct from them, but went to the "Locate an X-Pel Dealer" link and picked up locally (cheaper too).

You can see the scratches on the V. This is why I am putting on the protector. The seam of the clear protector is on the big O




Seam between two applications, will take care of later . . .