Anyone use something other than a chain stay protector? Mine is peeling off and in need of replacement. I know there are a variety of options if I go with a commercial variety...but...
Duct tape? Something else?

Thanks

Old handlebar tape or old inner tube?

Have a mtn bike bought used, with the stay wrapped in cloth bar tape and have just left it there. Works, and being black does not show grease.
Helicopter tape can be fashioned into a bike-specific layer, as off-the-shelf generic ones might not work equally between bikes.

Three or four layers of clear box strapping tape. Peel off the dirty lavers as you go. To get adhesive off chainstay use WD40. Never done it, just an idea.

3M clear protective tape.

Use it anywhere.

This suggestion is good! I have used this exact procedure on a couple bikes. Low cost, just a little arts and crafts work with scissors.

Or just find some fusible silicone tape in your favorite color and wrap it around the chain stay. Electrical tape works too. That's what the previous owner of my '91 Paramount frame used. Either can be removed easily enough. And by wrapping the stay, you don't have to worry as much about the edges peeling up.

I'm not inclined to worry about it though. I took the electrical tape off my Paramount and there never was any on my Raleigh Competition GS. No one looks that close to see how perfect your chain stay is. Even on my CF Tarmac, I wouldn't be worried if it got dings and scratches. But it came from the factory with a strip of tape on the top of the chain stay.

Mountain bike, strip of old tire or tube wrapped in cloth handlebar tape with the end secured with electrical tape.

Road Bike, clear or chrome strip depending on your liking.

Gravel bike. Electrical tape

I did a wrap of paracord..never know when you might need some string..

https://www.velobitz.co.uk/velobitz-...-self-adhesive

I use gorilla clear repair tape. It stays on most stays, I have had trouble getting it to stay on a mtb frame. But on an mtb frame, I suggest you want to wrap the chainstay with an old innertube.

3M Door Edge Paint Protection Film 8mil.

Good stuff. Use 3M films on headlights and nose of the car. Virtually invisible and tough.

Wow, all good suggestions! I was worried about getting some of the tapes off when the time comes, but I guess No worries!!

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

I find a good application of car wax on the chain stay (not to mention over most of the frame) allows me to wipe off chain grease (and dirt) easily with just a rag.

I have some 3m car body clear protective film that I use for various rub and abrasion points on the bikes, including chain stay. It's pretty tough stuff, but you might want to use two layers.

Belt drive?

Curious..did the old XT Shark Fin chainstay protector actually work?
There's one on my Fisher Montare. I'm pretty sure it is original to the bike.
I've never really had any serious issues with chain suck and never really worried about chain slap chips/scratches.

I always like clear protectors that had adhesive on them but the adhesion quality of the most recent batch was so poor I resorted to using a cut innertube taped on the CS. At least it works and stays on. I bought some clear ICS Racers tape, aka "helicopter tape", to apply for cable and chainstay rub but I've just never got around to it. It comes in various widths and such and is used widely with by all accounts, very good results.

https://www.amazon.com/Racers-Tape-S...dp/B000O6BQMG/

[QUOTE]

About this item

• Formerly referred to as helicopter blade/leading edge wing tape, ISC Helicopter-OG Surface Guard Tape is an extremely durable and conformable polyurethane tape.
• It has an 8-mil thick polyurethane backing which is highly effective at protecting paint from abrasion, erosion, tearing and punctures. This high-performance tape also protects against temperature extremes, UV light and automotive solvents. It will not yellow with age. The clear (transparent) polyurethane tape stands up to abuse, and is supplied on a white paper release liner.
• Features and benefits include polyurethane backing (more durable than PVC or vinyl), outdoor grade, resistant to temperature extremes, solvents and ultraviolet light, conforms to various surfaces, extremely tough film (must be cut by scissors or razor), supplied on 92-pound easy-release polycoated liner, and does not require a solvent or heat to activate.
• Product applications include bicycle frames (protects paint from scratches), paddle boards, sand rails, SUP boards, surfboards, protect finish on canoes and kayaks, ground effects, race car body panels, top fuel wings, tailgates, bumpers, trailer walls, sprint car wings, roll cages, headlights, toolboxes, wheel wells, truck beds, door and hood edges, protect bar code labels in extreme conditions (such as ski resorts), motorcycles, and more.
• Items marked and sold as a retail package come in a retail blister pack with hanger holes (currently only the 12 ft. length rolls come in a retail package).

/QUOTE]

I like neoprene protectors, such as this one from Lizard Skins, for two reasons. One is that they're easy to take off and clean, but the main reason is I get quite distressed by the sound of the chain crashing on to the chain stay as I ride over bumps, and this stops that completely. I've felt it more since I've had a carbon bike, which makes a sort of hollow cracking noise, but I have one on my mountain al bike as well.

I've also done this, but not thinking of it as emergency supplies. But yes, true, there is that benefit too.

Another bike with left over bar tape.

So, my chain stay protector's seen better days and needs swapping. Thinking beyond the usual store-bought options – anyone tried something different? Duct tape, maybe? Or any other cool DIY ideas?