Frame Paint Protection - Low Tech to High Tech
 

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.
http://lh5.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2284.JPG

Third attempt was using Road Bike Bar Tape. That was pretty cool. Had it on for about a day.
http://lh4.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2380.JPG

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.

http://lh6.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2382.JPG

http://lh5.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2384.JPG

http://lh5.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2396.JPG

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
http://lh4.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2397.JPG

http://lh4.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2400.JPG

Seam between two applications, will take care of later . . .
http://lh6.google.com/segura.trek/Rs...0/IMG_2401.JPG

I was going to say "3rd times a charm" but realized the 3M film was your 4th attempt! :rolleyes:

Great stuff though, I use it alot!
Your pictures show WHY! :D

Do they have a kit? Buy it sheets or roll and cut to size?

The place where I got it from locally has it on a 24" roll. They charged me $10 a foot, so I paid $30 for 24" x 36". I could have gotten away with 24" x 12" for what I wanted it for. One thing to note is the film stretches when off the backing and getting rid of the bubbles. About 1/4" increate for a 5" cut measurement.

On another note, I just realized I can flip the Yakima mount. It is L shaped with wider on the top tube and smaller on the seatpost tube. Seems to fit better putting the wider one on the seatpost since it gets the most sway to avoid scratches.