Tires throwing rocks into down tube
 

I recently got some new Specialized Fast Trak 29X2.3 tires and and they seem to throw every tiny bit of gravel they can find into the down tube. It's not a huge deal it's just a bit annoying to hear the pinging all the time. Has anyone else seen this with the Fast Traks? Do they stop doing this after they brake in? Thanks for any input!

Into or at the down tube? Into would be a real problem.

29 X 2.6 and they sometimes throw rocks into my shins and that hurts much worse

It probably won't get better until you've worn the knobs off; totally depends on the tread pattern, and the size and composition of the gravel.
So, change your tires, change your gravel, speed up, slow down, YMMV.
Might be a good time to invest in a frame protector.

Downtube protector is a good idea. You could also wrap a piece of old inner tube around the down tube for cheap.

Curious, can anyone recommend a downtube guard, that mounts with the water bottle cage screws on the typical topside AND still leaves room to put a water bottle cage?

Yes indeed. The same clear product they make for cars (called a wrap) is available for bikes.

+2

Vinyl wrap is super useful stuff. I needed a little for one of my cars and I keep finding more uses for the leftovers.

Clear helicopter tape. Been using it for years.

Ride on the road. You're welcome.